Quesadillas de Huitlacoche: A Taste of Mexican Delicacy

Introduction to Huitlacoche

Huitlacoche, often referred to as corn smut or corn fungus, is a culinary treasure in Mexican cuisine. This unique ingredient, a type of mushroom that grows on corn, is highly prized for its earthy, mushroom-like, and slightly sweet flavor. It has been a part of Mexican culinary tradition for centuries, considered a delicacy rather than a blight. Today, we’ll explore how to transform this fascinating ingredient into delicious quesadillas.

Ingredients for Quesadillas de Huitlacoche

To create these delectable quesadillas, gather the following ingredients:

Recipe Preparation: Quesadillas de Huitlacoche

Preparing the Huitlacoche Filling:

1. Begin by briefly immersing the huitlacoche in hot, lightly salted water. This step helps to soften and prepare it. Once softened, remove the huitlacoche from the water and drain thoroughly.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic in hot oil until they become translucent.
3. Introduce the drained huitlacoche and epazote to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with a pinch of salt.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the huitlacoche filling aside.

Crafting the Red Sauce:

1. Roast the tomato, garlic, and morita chiles until they are softened and slightly charred.
2. Using a mortar and pestle, crush the roasted garlic with a small amount of salt. Gradually add the morita chiles, crushing them one at a time.
3. Incorporate the roasted tomatoes into the mortar and pestle, crushing them until a smooth sauce is formed.
4. Season the sauce with salt to taste.
5. Fold in the finely chopped raw onion and cilantro stems.

Assembling the Guacamole:

1. Combine the finely chopped onion and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Mash the ingredients together until a smooth and creamy guacamole is achieved.

Constructing and Cooking the Quesadillas:

1. Employ a tortilla press to create tortillas from the white and blue tortilla doughs.
2. Fill each tortilla with the prepared huitlacoche filling, quesillo, and a sprig of epazote.
3. Fold the tortillas in half, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
4. Cook the quesadillas on a hot griddle or fry them in oil until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve the quesadillas hot, accompanied by the red sauce and guacamole.

Assembling the Quesadillas

Heating the Tortillas:

• Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
• Warm the tortillas on both sides until pliable.

Adding Cheese:

• Place a warm tortilla on the griddle or a plate.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese on one half of the tortilla.

Adding the Huitlacoche Filling:

• Spoon the huitlacoche filling over the cheese.

Folding the Tortillas:

• Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape.

Cooking the Quesadillas

Griddle or Pan Cooking:

• Lightly oil the griddle or pan.
• Place the assembled quesadillas on the hot surface.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the quesadillas carefully to cook both sides evenly.

Pressing the Quesadillas:

• You can use a spatula to gently press the quesadillas while cooking to ensure even melting of the cheese.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

• Cut the quesadillas into wedges for easier serving. 
• Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• Pair with a refreshing Mexican beverage like agua fresca or a cold cerveza.

Where to Find Huitlacoche

• Huitlacoche can be found in fresh markets, particularly those specializing in Mexican ingredients. 
• Canned huitlacoche is also available in many grocery stores and online retailers. 
• Regional availability will vary.

Health Benefits of Huitlacoche Quesadillas

• Huitlacoche is a beneficial source of fiber, amino acids, and antioxidants.
• Combining it with cheese and tortillas provides a balanced meal.

Variations and Considerations

• For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese substitute. 
• Experiment with different cheeses and spices to create your unique flavor.
• Using fresh huitlacoche when available will provide the best possible flavor.
• Remember, regional variation exists in every Mexican dish, so feel free to experiment.

Read more blogs:

Huitlacoche Bird: Unveiling the Mystery

Huitlacoche Pajaro: A Symphony of Flavour, Flight, and Folklore

Pajaro Huitlacoche: A Symphony of Bird, Fungus, and Flavor

The Huitlacoche Animal: Nature and Tradition in Detailed Guide