Mushroom Quesadillas

Submitted by lecole54

"From Martha Rose Schulman, published in the New York Times, 3/14/11. The filling is *really* lovely (we left the seeds in the serrano chili that we used, and used the chile morita salsa that I posted to this site), but did have some trouble flipping the quesadilla at the end; I suspect that next time we'll obviate the problem by simply making 4 soft tacos instead!"

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 2 quesadillas
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced (optional)
• 6 ounces button mushrooms, trimmed and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
• 1 -2 garlic clove, minced
• 1 jalapeno, minced (seeded for a milder flavor, or use serrano)
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (or epazote)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 4 corn tortillas
• 2 ounces monterey jack cheese, grated (or Cheddar or mixed cheeses)
• salsa, for serving (optional)

directions

1. Make the mushroom filling. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy frying pan. Add the shallot. Cook, stirring, until tender, about three minutes. Stir in the mushrooms. Cook, stirring, until tender and juicy, about five minutes. Add the garlic, chili, and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for another minute. Stir in the cilantro or epazote, and remove from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
2. In a microwave: Place a corn tortilla on a plate. Top with half the mushrooms, and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle on half the cheese, and top with another tortilla. Press down gently, then microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Remove from the microwave, cut into quarters or sixths and serve. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
3. In a pan: Place a corn tortilla in a pan. Top with half the mushrooms, and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle on half the cheese. Turn the heat to medium-high, and heat until the cheese begins to melt. Place another tortilla on top of the cheese, and press down lightly. Flip the quesadilla over in the pan, and heat for about 30 seconds or until the cheese has melted. Flip back over, and remove to a plate. Cut into quarters or sixths, and serve. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.