Quesadillas made with flor de calabaza (squash blossoms) are a delicacy in Central Mexico, particularly around Mexico City. These quesadillas are often made with blue corn tortillas and a mild, stringy cheese, highlighting the subtle, slightly sweet flavor of the blossoms.

Prep TimeCook TimeServes
20 minutes15 minutes4

Part A: Ingredients

  • Tortillas: 8 Corn Tortillas (preferably handmade or thick), or use flour tortillas.
  • Filling: 2 Tbsp Oil, 1/4 cup White Onion (finely diced), 1 clove Garlic (minced), 2 cups Fresh Squash Blossoms (washed and stems/pistils removed).
  • Cheese: 1 cup Oaxaca Cheese (Quesillo), queso chihuahua, or Mozzarella (shredded or crumbled).
  • Garnish: Sour Cream or Crรจme Fraรฎche, Salsa Verde (optional).

Part B: Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Squash Blossoms

  1. Gently rinse the squash blossoms. Carefully remove the long green stem and the firm central pistil (or stamen) inside the flower.
  2. Roughly chop the blossoms.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

  1. In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add the chopped squash blossoms to the pan. Sautรฉ for only 2-3 minutes until they wilt and soften slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

  1. Heat a griddle or large, dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place one tortilla on the griddle. Sprinkle half of the tortilla with the shredded cheese.
  3. Spoon a portion of the warm squash blossom filling over the cheese.
  4. Once the cheese begins to melt, fold the plain side of the tortilla over the filling to form a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Cook and Serve

  1. Press the quesadilla down gently with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is fully melted.
  2. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  3. Serve the Coques de Flor de Calabaza hot, often garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a side of fresh salsa verde.

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