Mini Cheese Quesadillas with Homemade Pico de Gallo

Ingredients

• 0.5 small bunch cilantro (Leaves only; stems discarded)
• 2 cloves garlic (Peeled and minced)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (Quartered lengthwise, seeded, ribs removed, and minced; wear gloves or wash hands after handling)
• 1 lime (Juiced)
• 1 shallot (Peeled and minced)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 tomatoes (Small diced)
• unsalted butter (For greasing the skillet)
• salt (Add to the pico de gallo)

Steps

1. 1

   Wash and dry the fresh produce.

2. 2

   Juice the lime into a small bowl.

3. 3

   Small-dice the tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the lime juice.

4. 4

   Quarter the jalapeño lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and ribs to reduce the spice level, then mince the pepper. Avoid touching your eyes; wash your hands after handling the jalapeño or wear gloves. Add the minced jalapeño to the bowl.

5. 5

   Shave the cilantro leaves from the stems, discard the stems, and mince the leaves. Add the cilantro to the bowl.

6. 6

   Peel and mince the shallot and garlic. Add both to the bowl along with salt, then stir to combine the pico de gallo. Set it aside.

7. 7

   Arrange the tortillas on a flat surface. Place 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla, then fold each tortilla in half to close.

8. 8

   Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.

9. 9

   Once the skillet is hot, add unsalted butter and swirl the skillet to coat the bottom.

10. 10

    Working in batches, add the quesadillas to the skillet. Cook for 1–1½ minutes per side, flipping once, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden. Remove the cooked quesadillas to a plate.

11. 11

    Divide the quesadillas between plates. Top with the pico de gallo and serve.

Notes

The source does not specify the amount of butter or salt; use enough butter to coat the skillet and salt to taste. Cook the quesadillas in batches as needed.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Mexican
• vegetarian
• quick
• stovetop
• quesadillas
• fresh salsa