This authentic and fun recipe requires you to make corn tortillas from scratch!

Crispy Fried Mexican Quesadillas

Prep Time:  30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Serves: 4


Ingredients:

225 mL of masa harina
1/2 cup of warm water
1 Tbsp of lard or shortening
3 Tbsp of flour
1/2 tsp of baking powder
1/4 tsp of salt
6 oz Monterey Jack cheese, grated
4 Tbsps of vegetable oil
Guacamole (use recipe below on this blog) and/or Salsa
*Tortilla press


Directions:

In a large bowl mix together masa harina and water. Add lard or shortening, flour, baking powder and salt and knead together. The dough should have the consistency of a soft cookie dough. Divide into 8 ballas and cover with plastic.

Toss the cheese and cilantro together and shape into 8 compact flattened football shapes about 3 inches (7cm) long and 1 and 3/4 inches (4cm) wide and cover.

One by one make the quesadillas. Line a tortilla press with 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Gently press out a ball of dough into a 4" (9cm) circle. Peel off the top sheet, lay a piece of the cheese mixture on one side and fold over the other half, plastic included. Press to seal, peel off the plastic, set aside and cover. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.

Heat about 3/4 inch (2cm) of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook 2 or 3 quesadillas at a time, turning several times until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm while cooking the rest.

Serve with Guacamole and/or salsa.