Squash Blossom Quesadilla Food

QUESADILLAS WITH OAXACAN CHEESE AND SQUASH BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden, 10-12 minutes; season with salt. Transfer to a small bowl and wipe skillet clean.
• Toast a tortilla in the same skillet over medium-high until golden brown but not crunchy on one side, about 1 minute. Turn tortilla over and scatter one-quarter of cheese over one half of toasted side. Arrange 2 squash blossoms and one-quarter of onion mixture on top of cheese and fold tortilla in half to create a half-moon. Press down on it lightly to help tortilla adhere. Continue cooking, turning once or twice and pressing occasionally, until cheese is melted and tortilla begins to brown and crisp in spots (turn down the heat if needed), about 3 minutes. Transfer quesadilla to a plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, squash blossoms, and onion mixture to make 3 more quesadillas.

SQUASH BLOSSOM QUESADILLAS

Steps:

• For the tortillas: combine the masa harina and salt in a bowl and stir in 1 1/4 cups water and oil. Knead in additional water to thoroughly soak the masa harina but not make it sticky. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• For the filling: heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chilies and onion until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the squash blossoms and sauté for 1 minute. Add 1 cup water and heat to boiling. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is thick. Season with salt. Let cool.
• To shape the quesadillas, knead the dough in a bowl with enough water to reach a pliable, but not wet or sticky, dough. Remove the dough in 2 tablespoonful amounts and press between 2 sheets of waxed paper to form 4-inch rounds. Spoon a dollop of the filling onto the center of each round and top with a pinch of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
• Heat 1/4 inch of the oil over medium heat in a skillet and fry the quesadillas, several at a time, for 30 seconds a side, turning several times, until golden brown, adding more oil as necessary. Drain on paper towels and keep warm. Serve immediately. This makes about 24 appetizer-size quesadillas.