Here is a super easy and quick quesadilla recipe which you can rustle up as a meal or a snack for your hungry children or unexpected guests! And by packing it with vegetables, you can be sure that you are getting your essential nutrients as well. This Mexican staple is popular with kids and adults.
You will need:
6 ready-made tortillas (both imported and local brands are available in the market)
Bonless chicken 1\2 kg
2 tsp crushed garlic
1\2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin powder
salt to taste
Cheddar cheese grated (one small packet)
Mushrooms (one can) or fresh if available
One large zucchini coarsely grated with the skin on
One large bell pepper cut into thin strips
Method
Cut the boneless chicken into small bite-size pieces. Marinade with one teaspoon garlic and salt, chilli and cumin powder.
Pour two tablespoons of oil in pan and fry the chicken on high heat. Do not overcook or the chicken will become very dry.
Add one tablespoon of oil to a pan and lightly sauté the remaining garlic. Add chopped mushrooms and bell peppers and fry for a couple of minutes.
Take a large bowl and combine the cooked chicken and all the veggies. Toss together. Add the shredded cheese and toss again.
Now take a non-stick pan and place it on the stove but do not light it yet. Add a few drops of oil to the pan if needed or you can omit this. Place a tortilla in the pan and spoon in the prepared filling spreading it in a layer. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top if you like your quesadilla extra cheesy.
Then take another tortilla and place it over the filling. Turn the heat on to high but reduce the flame as soon as the pan gets hot. Cover the pan and cook over a medium flame for about 3 to 5 minutes.
The cheese should have melted by this point sticking the two tortillas together. Now slide a spatula under the tortilla and flip it over to lightly cook the other side.
Cook for another 2 minutes.
Slide out onto a plate and wait for a bit before cutting into wedges.
Serve with a fresh green salad or salsa.
Enjoy!
Get creative with the fillings! For a leaner version, you can use a mix of cottage cheese and cheddar. Add jalapeños for an extra punch. You can also use whatever vegetables you have in the house like carrots, add spring onions. Just bear in mind that it must be a vegetable which requires minimal cooking time.
