Main Course | Mexican | Recipes | Snacks

Mexican Vegetable and Paneer Quesadillas with Spicy Avocado Sauce

drprerna26August 26, 2020

Quesadillas are one of the most popular Mexican dish around the world! It is prepared by putting a stuffing inside the tortilla ( Mexican flat bread) , generally made with vegetables cooked with aromatic spices, cheese and a protein like meat or beans. These are then folded in half and grilled or pan fried until crisp and the cheese melts. Here , I have added paneer to create a high protein vegetarian dish which is very healthy and filling . Paneer gives the tortilla a perfect texture, while  the crunchy vegetables and corn give it a exciting crunch,  making it a well loved dish for all family including kids!!

The best part is, these Quesadillas are infinitely adaptable and can be made with endless combinations and fillings. You can try using chapatis instead of tortillas! For vegan quesadillas just swap the cheese with vegan versions.

Quesadillas are served with salsa, guacamole or sour cream. We are serving it with tangy and spicy avocado sauce which is super simple to make and tastes amazing!

Few tips:

• Try to find the large wheat tortillas, not the corn tortillas.
• Avocado sauce takes the taste of these quesadillas to the next level.

”If you try this recipe I would love to hear from you! I would appreciate if you could leave a review or a comment below !! Please feel free to share your feedback and suggestions as well! Thank you so much.”

Ingredients:

For Avocado Sauce:

• Avocados: 2 , medium sized,chopped roughly
• Onion: 1, medium sized chopped
• Lime juice: 1 tbsp
• Fresh Coriander leaves: 1/2 cup
• Green chilli: 1, chopped
• Garlic : 1 clove
• Salt : to taste
• Water: 2 tbsp

For Quesadilla stuffing:

• Green pepper: 1, sliced thinly
• Red Pepper: 1, sliced thinly
• Onions: 2, sliced
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, chopped
• Corn kernels: 1 cup ( I used frozen)
• Paneer: 250 grams, chopped into cubes
• Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
• Refried beans: 1 cup (optional)
• Salsa: 1 cup (store bought)
• Pickled Jalapenos: 1/2 cup
• Spring onions: 4-5 , green part chopped thinly (optional )
• Lime juice: 1 tbsp or more as per taste
• Tortillas: 6-7 ( store bought)
• Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups, shredded
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp
• Butter or Olive oil : for grilling the tortillas

If you don’t have taco seasoning you can use:

• Roasted cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp
• Dried Oregeno: 1/2 tsp
• Chilli Powder: 1/2 tsp

Method:

For Avocado Sauce:

• Blend everything listed under the ingredients for avocado sauce until smooth. Check for seasonings and adjust. Take out in a bowl and keep aside. Keep any left over avocado sauce in fridge, covered with cling film or a lid. It will stay good for 2-3 days.

For Quesadilla stuffing:

• Heat olive oil in a non stick pan or skillet. Once hot, add chopped garlic and fry till the edges start to get a little golden.
• Add sliced onions and peppers and stir fry on medium to high heat till the peppers are cooked .
• Add corn and give everything a good mix. Next , add salt and taco seasoning.
• Add paneer and mix. Cook for 2 minutes on medium heat.
• Add lime juice and spring onions . Check for seasonings and switch off the flame.
• Keep it aside.

Assembling the Quesadillas:

• Heat refried beans as per the instructions given on tin. (You can skip these and the tortillas will still be yum)
• Put 1 tortilla on a plate. On one half of the the tortilla spread a layer of refried beans, and then put a layer of the stuffing. Spread some salsa and then sprinkle generous amount of cheese. Add some jalapenos. ( skip if making for kids ).
• Put the other half of the tortilla on top of the stuffing, making half moon shape or a semi circle.
• Now , heat some oil/butter in a pan/tawa and carefully grill the tortilla on medium low heat till its light brown and crispy.
• Flip carefully and cook the other side. ( I made these quesadillas in a panini press. If you have a panini press , try roasting quesadillas in it )
• Repeat the process to make the rest of the quesadillas.
• Cut it in half and serve  with salsa and avocado sauce.
• Enjoy!!