Chakalaka Quesadillas
What Tortilla is Best? Corn or flour?
That is usually the dilemma plaguing us when we eat Mexican food. While corn tortillas have amazing flavor, flour tortillas have a pleasant mouthfeel and chew. So, how do you choose which to use for your Chakalaka Quesadillas?
Corn
Corn tortillas are made using a ground corn meal called masa harina. Some makers may use
more fine or loose cornmeal depending on the texture they are trying to achieve. They have a chewy texture with a lovely corn flavor.
Flour
Flour tortillas are assembled using plain, all-purpose flour. They are pressed in a similar way
before pan frying for the perfect texture. They are chewy, much like corn tortillas, but do not hold any corn flavor.
In truth, you can use any tortilla that you like. If you have fresh tortillas makers local to you, use whatever is the freshest. Fresh tortillas often outweigh the corn or flour argument because when it comes to tortillas, fresh is best. For this recipe as written, corn tortillas were used for their flavor. The corn flavor plays well with the spicy-sweet Chakalaka, so if you are torn between the two options, try corn!
Best Quesadilla Toppings
Now that we have chosen our tortilla for these quesadillas, it’s time to choose some toppings. Quesadillas can be quite dry on their own, so toppings can really send them to another level in terms of flavor. Think of your favorite taco or burrito toppings and go from there.
Here is a comprehensive list of the best toppings for Chakalaka Quesadillas:
● Sour cream
● Lime juice
● Guacamole
● Avocado
● Tomato salsa
● Tomatillo salsa
● Cilantro
● Sliced jalapenos
● Corn salsa
If you can think of any additional toppings you like, go for it! Quesadillas are often a vessel for eating delicious toppings, so be sure to use what is accessible to you. You can even top these quesadillas much like nachos for a messy, yet delicious experience!
Chakalaka Quesadilla Recipe
These South African-spiced Chakalaka Quesadillas are the perfect cheesy snack or light dinner. Made with spicy Chakalaka and dipped into sour cream and guacamole, this recipe is the perfect culinary mash-up!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Recipe Yield: 4 whole quesadillas
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
8 fresh corn tortillas
1 package spicy Chakalaka, prepared
2 cups shredded chihuahua cheese
2 tablespoons oil, for frying
Optional Toppings:
1 cup guacamole
1 cup sour cream
1 cup green salsa
Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions:
Place 4 tortillas on a board or countertop.
Spoon about 2 spoonfuls of Chakalaka onto each tortilla, spreading it out evenly across the surface.
Top the Chakalaka with a nice handful of cheese on each.
Top with another tortilla to close the quesadilla.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet to medium heat. Add a tablespoon of the oil and two quesadillas.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the tortilla gets slightly crisp.
Remove from the heat and repeat with the other 2 quesadillas.
Once the quesadillas are cooked, cut them into 4 triangles.
Serve with guacamole, sour cream, green salsa, and fresh cilantro.