Found in any Mexican restaurant in Massachusetts, the quesadilla is a staple to Mexican cuisine. Pronounced (k-sa-d-ya) not (k-sa-dill-a), the combination of tortilla and fillings of your choice is the perfect appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Heck, you could even make it into Sunday breakfast if you wanted to! As versatile as this dish may be, it’s not as simple as it initially seems.

The origins

Like anything, the quesadilla comes with a colorful history. Contrary to popular belief, this meal is not entirely authentic to the Mexican culture. For example, while many consumers prefer their quesadilla be made from flour tortillas, some prefer corn. The corn tortilla is, in fact, the original choice and originates from Native America. Furthermore, many of the spices used to flavor the meat fillings come from Spain, not Mexico.

However, over time the quesadilla evolved, and the combination of cultural influences has provided us with the quesadilla as we know it today.

The most requested quesadilla is ..

Highly customizable, the answer to this question may depend on the crowd. However, if a general consensus is taken, the most requested quesadilla is the plain ole’ cheese quesadilla. We’ll admit, we get it. Who doesn’t love pan-seared fresh tortillas browned in butter and oozing with a gooey combination of melted cheeses?

Yet again, we have a twist. To create a mouth-watering meal, one must use a combination of carefully selected cheeses. For instance, Oaxaca and sharp cheddar make a great combination. Monterey Jack is another excellent choice but may not provide enough flavor for some individuals. Things to keep in mind when making quesadillas at home:

• Mozzarella is typically avoided because of the lack of flavor
• Although the melting property is excellent, some cheddars are especially greasy

The options are truly endless

One of the best things about quesadillas is their versatility. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or a food connoisseur, quesadillas are what you want them to be. The choice is completely yours. While the Aztec people preferred squash and pumpkin as their fillings, here are a few of our favorite combinations:

• Black bean and roasted corn
• Grilled chicken or steak, peppers, and onions
• Pork confit with roasted pineapple
• Grilled shrimp, lobster, and scallops with black beans and onions
• Grilled zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and onion
• Shredded chicken and cheese

Quick and easily prepared, quesadillas at your favorite Mexican restaurant in Massachusetts, La Santa Tacos & Tequila, are always a winner. Stop by this weekend, and let us serve you some of the best quesadillas around!