National Quesadilla Day

Happy people gathered around a table, enjoying delicious quesadillas, vibrant colors, Mexican fiesta decorations.. — National quesadilla day illustration

Hey there amigos! Get ready to celebrate National Quesadilla Day, a day dedicated to the mouthwatering marvel that is the quesadilla. Grab your tortillas, cheese, and fillings, because we're about to dive into a fiesta of flavors and cheesy goodness!

When is Quesadilla Day?

It's national quesadilla day on the 25th September.

The Birth of the Cheesy Delight

Quesadillas have a rich history and are believed to have originated in Mexico. The word 'quesadilla' itself comes from the Spanish word 'queso,' which means cheese. The concept of folding cheese in a tortilla and grilling it to perfection has been around for centuries.

However, it wasn't until the arrival of the internet that quesadillas gained widespread recognition and their own special day. National Quesadilla Day became a thing as food enthusiasts across the digital realm united to celebrate this culinary masterpiece.

Internet Buzz and Quesadillas Galore

The internet, as always, played a significant role in spreading the word about National Quesadilla Day. From food bloggers sharing their favorite recipes to social media memes featuring cheesy jokes, the online world was buzzing with excitement.

On September 25, 2020, National Quesadilla Day reached its peak online popularity with a whopping 251 mentions. It seems that people just couldn't resist sharing their love for this beloved dish.

The Perfect Quesadilla Recipe

Now, let's get down to the cheesy business! Crafting the perfect quesadilla is an art, and here's a simple recipe to help you channel your inner quesadilla master:

Gather your ingredients: tortillas, cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend), and your favorite fillings (think grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, or even shrimp).
Heat up a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla on the pan and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top.
Add your desired fillings to one half of the tortilla.
Fold the tortilla in half and press it lightly with a spatula to seal the cheese and fillings inside.
Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the cheese is ooey-gooey and the tortilla turns golden brown.
Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Cut into triangles and serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Voila! You've just created a scrumptious quesadilla that will make your taste buds do a little salsa dance.

History behind the term 'Quesadilla'

1521

The Conquest of Mexico

The term 'quesadilla' traces its roots back to the year 1521 during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. The Spanish conquistadors encountered a wide diversity of delicious and innovative dishes that were completely unknown to them. One particular dish caught their attention: a folded tortilla filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables. This dish would later be known as the 'quesadilla' in the Spanish language.

1492

Introduction to maize in Native American cuisine

Maize, also known as corn, was a staple crop in Native American cuisine for centuries. Indigenous tribes in present-day Mexico and Central America cultivated and consumed maize in various forms, including tortillas.

16th century

Spanish arrival and influence

When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas in the 16th century, they encountered the indigenous peoples' use of maize and tortillas. The Spanish explorers introduced new ingredients, such as cheese and wheat flour, which eventually gave rise to the creation of the first quesadillas.

1831

The First Written Recipe

It was not until the year 1831 that the term 'quesadilla' appears in the first written recipe. The Mexican cookbook titled 'El cocinero mexicano' (The Mexican Cook) by Alejandro de la Cruz provided a detailed recipe for making quesadillas. This book became a popular reference for traditional Mexican cuisine and helped to spread the term 'quesadilla' beyond local regions.

1840s

Etymology and spreading popularity

The term 'quesadilla' originated from the Spanish word 'queso,' meaning cheese. By the 1840s, quesadillas became a popular street food in Mexico, particularly in the region around Mexico City. They were typically made by folding a tortilla filled with cheese and grilling it until the cheese melted.

1894

Mass Production of Corn Tortillas

In the late 19th century, the introduction of machinery revolutionized the production of corn tortillas, a key component of quesadillas. The first automated corn tortilla machine was invented in 1894 by an entrepreneur named Ramón López. This innovation led to the mass production of corn tortillas, making them widely available and affordable for households. As a result, quesadillas became even more popular and gained recognition as a staple dish in Mexican cuisine.

20th century

Quesadilla variations and global recognition

In the 20th century, quesadillas gained further popularity and underwent variations, incorporating different fillings such as meats, vegetables, and spices. The dish's appeal extended beyond Mexico, becoming a beloved staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and gaining international recognition as a flavorful and versatile dish.

1925

Commercialization and Variations

The year 1925 marked a significant milestone for the commercialization of quesadillas. In Mexico City, the first 'quesadilla stand' opened, serving a wide array of quesadilla variations to customers. This establishment helped popularize quesadillas as convenient street food, further fueling their popularity among locals and tourists alike. Over the years, creative adaptations and regional variations of quesadillas emerged, incorporating different fillings, salsas, and cooking techniques, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions across Mexico.

1980s

International Popularity

From the 1980s onwards, Mexican cuisine experienced a significant boom in international popularity, taking quesadillas along for the ride. With the rise of Tex-Mex cuisine and the spread of Mexican restaurants worldwide, quesadillas became a beloved dish beyond Mexico's borders. Today, quesadillas can be found in various forms and interpretations in numerous countries, with both traditional and fusion fillings, satisfying the taste buds of people globally.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest quesadilla ever made weighed over 3,000 pounds? That's heavier than a small car! This monumental quesadilla was crafted in Mexico and consisted of a massive amount of tortillas, cheese, and various fillings. Talk about a cheesy feast!