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Mushroom Quesadilla

These quesadillas are a great meatless option for a menu. Hearty and satisfying, the sautéed mushrooms are as delicious on their own as they are stuffed in the tortillas. And if you feel like changing it up a bit, experiment with different varieties of mushrooms.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 12 quesadillas

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for searing
1 small onion, sliced
1 jalapeño, stemmed and chopped
10 ounces cremini mushrooms or any other variety, stems removed, caps sliced
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lime
12 (9-inch) flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Mexican crema, homemade (page 102) or store-bought
Fresh Tomato Salsa (page 96)
Sprigs of cilantro, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Make the Mushroom Filling

    Step 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and jalapeño and sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add the mushrooms, salt, and the lime juice. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until all of the liquid released by the mushrooms has evaporated. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a plate and set aside.

  2. Stuff and Heat the Tortillas

    Step 3

    Return the same pan used to sauté the mushrooms, with whatever oil was left behind, to the stove and place over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat for 1 minute.

    Step 4

    Place 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese on the bottom half of each tortilla and top with 2 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture. Fold the tortilla over creating a half moon.

    Step 5

    Place as many tortillas as will fit comfortably in the pan. Allow the quesadillas to sear for 1 minute, flip over, and sear for another minute. Remove from the pan and place on a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

  3. Garnish and Serve

    Step 6

    Serve the quesadillas warm, accompanied by Mexican crema and tomato salsa. Garnish with sprigs of cilantro.

  4. COOKING NOTES

    Step 7

    INGREDIENTS

  5. Step 8

    Mushrooms

    Step 9

    Although I make these quesadillas with cremini mushrooms, the traditional choice is white button mushrooms. However, feel free to experiment with different varieties and combinations of mushrooms.

  6. Step 10

    TECHNIQUES

  7. Step 11

    Heating the Quesadillas

    Step 12

    Quesadillas should have a crisp crust, which is only achieved by heating the tortillas with a bit of oil. Make sure the pan is hot and has a nice coating of oil so that you are able to develop a golden brown crust.

  8. Step 13

    ADVANCE PREPARATION

  9. Step 14

    You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time—up to a day in advance. However, the quesadillas should be made right before serving.

  10. Step 15

    SERVING SUGGESTION

  11. Step 16

    These quesadillas are so versatile they can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They also make great hors d’oeuvres when cut into small wedges.

Cover of the cookbook featuring the author shucking an ear of corn.
Reprinted with permission from Simply Mexican by Lourdes Castro, © April 2009 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book at Amazon or Bookshop.
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