Squash Blossom, Poblano and Cheese Quesadillas
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Appetizer
- Features: Gluten-Free
Summary:
These indulgent, traditional little turnovers get their special crisp texture from deep-frying masa made from instant corn flour. If you don't have a tortilla press or want to make the dough, you can use store-bought tortillas for something closer to the familiar griddled quesadilla Americans and Mexicans alike adore. If you use 6-inch store-bought corn tortillas, the same amount of filling will make 12 quesadillas.
6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 large poblano chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon safflower or corn oil
- 1/2 small white onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 medium clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1 teaspoon)
- 12 ounces (about 8 cups) fresh squash blossoms, rinsed, dried and chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or more to taste
- 4 ounces Oaxaca cheese, grated (about 4 ounces; may substitute part-skim mozzarella)
- 2 cups instant corn masa flour, as Maseca, plus 1 1/4 cup water (may substitute 12 store-bought 6-inch corn tortillas)
Directions:
To prepare the poblano peppers, place them on a tray under the broiler, directly on the grill or directly on the open flame. Turn them every 2 to 3 minutes for a total of 6 to 8 minutes, until they are charred and blistered all over.
Transfer them to a plastic bag, close it tightly and let them cool for 10 to 20 minutes.
Working under a thin stream of cold water, peel off each pepper's skin, make a slit down each side to remove and discard the seeds and veins, and remove and discard the stem. Cut them into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
Combine the butter and oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. When the oil has melted, add the onion and garlic; cook about 5 minutes, stirring, until soft and translucent.
Add the prepared poblano peppers, the squash blossoms and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the blossom juices exude their juices and then the mixture begins to dry out. Remove from the heat.
If using premade tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10 to 15 seconds per side, so they will not break when you fold them. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the squash flower/poblano mix on half of a tortilla. Fold it in half and press down. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until cheese is completely melted and tortilla is slightly crisped.
If using homemade masa, place 1/4 cup of the water in a large mixing bowl; add the corn flour and remaining water in several additions, stirring with a wooden spoon. Knead the dough for a few minutes to rid it of any lumps, adding a little water if it feels too dry. Cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel.
Meanwhile, cut circles from a resealable plastic food storage bag and use them to line a tortilla press. Line a platter with several layers of paper towels.
Heat enough oil to measure 2 inches deep in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil reaches 375 degrees, make the quesadillas: Divide the dough into 1-inch balls. Take a ball and place it on top of the plastic on the bottom side of the press, top with another layer of plastic and press down to make a flat disk.
Place 1 tablespoon of the cheese and 2 tablespoons of the filling at the center of the dough disk and, leaving it in the plastic, fold it over and press to seal the edges. Repeat to form the rest of the quesadillas, using all the dough and filling.
Carefully add a few quesadillas at a time to the hot oil, making sure to not crowd the skillet. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning as needed. Transfer with a slotted spoon to the paper-towel-lined platter to drain.
Serve hot, with your favorite salsa.
Recipe Source:
From Mexican Cultural Institute chef and cooking teacher Patricia Jinich, who blogs at patismexicantable.com.
E-mail the Food Section with recipe questions.
