This Creamy And Tangy Addition Instantly Improves Quesadillas
Somewhere between a sandwich and a taco, quesadillas are one of those classic Mexican dishes that never fail to hit the spot. Quick to make and faster to finish, your favorite quesadilla recipe is elevated by putting one of its commonly served condiments inside the tortillas. Yup, we're talking about sour cream.
Putting sour cream inside the quesadilla filling instead of serving it on the side lets it mingle with the other ingredients more tastefully and subtly. Instead of that punchy burst of acidity you get when you dunk or smear sour cream directly in or onto a quesadilla, introducing it into the filling softens its intensity by evenly distributing its taste throughout the dish. By doing this, your first contact is marked by the toasty taste of a delicately charred tortilla that, after you break through its crunch, gives way to a medley of cream-cradled meat and veggies. Adding sour cream to a quesadilla filling also makes for a more consistent mouthfeel, where each bite stars the tender chew of grilled beef or chicken tinga, the aromatic crunch of fresh veggies, the melty pull of shredded cheese, and the fatty texture of sour cream (which can be made with heavy cream, vinegar, and lemon juice), all in equal parts.
Tips for adding sour cream to the inside of your quesadilla
Making a restaurant-worthy quesadilla is as easy as cooking your filling, adding it to a tortilla, folding it in half, and cooking until crispy. Luckily, introducing sour cream to the filling doesn't have to complicate the process. With that being said, it's still helpful to keep a few tips in mind when tweaking your go-to recipes.
To prevent the sour cream from curdling, separating, and losing its crave-curbing consistency, add it at the very end of cooking your filling, around the same time you'd add any fresh herbs. Add a small amount to begin and gradually incorporate more until you've reached your desired consistency. Don't hesitate to infuse sour cream with other ingredients for a bigger burst of flavor. Citrus juice brings a touch of zippy brightness, hot sauce provides a trim of fire, and taco seasoning adds a savory punch. If you need a substitute for sour cream, look no further than Greek yogurt, which boasts the same creamy consistency and tangy taste. Whether it's a twice-grilled steak quesadilla or a black bean number, sour cream works best on the inside of this timeless, handheld Mexican dish.