Sometimes the weirdest-sounding combinations turn out to be much better than expected. I once had a pizza topped with cilantro pesto, apples, pecans, and smoked mozzarella, which I thought would be totally weird, but was actually very very good. The other day I happened to have corn tortillas, cheese, and cilantro in the fridge, an apple in the fruit bowl, and pecans in the baking cupboard, and I figured that a quesadilla is sort of like a Mexican pizza, right?
However weird it may sound, apples, cilantro, cheese, and pecans do go well together. The sweet and tart apple plays off the salty, melty cheese; the cilantro tastes fresh and green; the pecans give textural crunch and richness; and the corn tortilla’s earthiness brings it all together. Next time I would use more cilantro and add a squeeze of lime juice (I was out of limes), but I think this qualifies as a successful (if slightly weird) combination. And it was so simple to make that it barely merits a recipe!
Apple, Cilantro & Pecan Quesadillas
For each quesadilla, layer a small corn tortilla with:
a small amount of grated cheese (I used extra old white cheddar)
a few pieces of thinly sliced apple
a handful of roughly chopped cilantro leaves
a sprinkling of chopped pecans
Add a little bit more cheese and top with a second corn tortilla. Grill on both sides in a skillet over medium heat until the corn tortillas get some colour and the cheese melts. Let the cheese cool for a few minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve with a squeeze of lime.
frugalfeeding says
Korena, those look great! Have you seen my quesadillas? Aren’t they fun to make – so simple and very, very versatile :D. We’re often ‘on the same page aren’t we?!’
Korena in the Kitchen says
Haha, I have noticed that with some of the other bloggers I follow as well 😉 I did not see your quesadillas but I will go check them out right now!
Sibella says
Nice looking quesadillas! No cilantro for me please! ; )
Korena in the Kitchen says
Funny how some people can’t stand it… I love it! Apparently it’s genetic?
Sibella says
I guess cilantro is one of the foods that you either love it or hate it. I tried to like it, didn’t work… 🙂
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide says
I wouldn’t have thought to pair cilantro with pecan. But it sounds and looks delicious.
Korena in the Kitchen says
I wouldn’t have thought to either but it totally works.