Chaat Masala Quesadilla
Category
Dinner
Servings/Yield
4
Author
Christian Leue
One of my favorite of our new blends, Chaat Masala lends body and mild heat to onion and pepper quesadillas, a bright and fresh mango salsa (I found some great Kent mangos the other day during their limited peak season), and a simple crema.
Ingredients
1 large red onion
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A few sprigs of fresh cilantro, or a dusting of Shabazi N38
1 lime, scrubbed
1 cup finely diced mango
2/3 cup diced cherry tomatoes
2 bell peppers, color(s) of your choice
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Olive oil
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1 Tbsp Chaat Masala
Salt
4 ounces sour cream
4 flour tortillas*
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
4 tsp butter, divided
Directions
Peel the onion and cut it in half, cut half of the onion into thin strips lengthwise, and cut the remaining half into a fine dice. If you're using fresh cilantro remove the stems and finely chop the leaves. Zest the lime and reserve the zest. Core the peppers and then cut into strips lengthwise. Cut the strips in half if the pepper is long (so that they are the same length as the onion strips).
In a large non-stick skillet heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and add the onions and peppers, cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add half of the tomato pieces and 1 1/2 teaspoons of Chaat Masala, along with a splash of water if the tomatoes are on the drier side. Stir well and cook for a couple minutes more, until the tomatoes are a bit soft and the moisture has evaporated. Remove everything to a bowl and wipe out the skillet.
While the peppers and onions are cooking make the salsa and crema. Mix the mango, diced red onion, cilantro (or a big pinch of Shabazi), 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala, and lime zest. Add fresh lime juice and salt to your tastes.
For the crema mix the sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala, and either water or lime juice to your tastes until it has a saucy consistency.
In the skillet melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. On one tortilla sprinkle some cheese, then add a layer of the cooked vegetables, then more cheese, topping with the remaining tortilla. Repeat with the other tortillas.
Cook for about 3 minutes, then using a spatula lift the quesadilla and slip another teaspoon of butter into the pan, then carefully flip. Cook until the other side is nicely browned and the cheese is fully melted, about 3 minutes. Repeat with the other quesadilla.
Remove the quesadillas to a cutting board, slice, and serve with the salsa and crema.
Recipe Note
Recipe Notes
* If you'd like to make your own flour tortillas I have a recipe here.
This recipe can be easily halved or quartered. If quartering, use one tortilla and fold it in half.
Variations & Ideas
• If you like a bit more heat, try adding some Primonition to the crema.
• This recipe works great with a nice pico de gallo when tomatoes are in season.
• If you can't find decent cherry tomatoes try substituting small pieces of fuyu persimmon. It will be sweeter overall, a slightly different delicious.
Questions about this recipe? Contact us at info@laboiteny.com