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Quesadillas Salvadoreñas hold a special place in the hearts and kitchens of El Salvador. Despite sharing a name with the more familiar savoury quesadilla, this dish is a world apart, a sweet, cheese infused bread that graces breakfast tables, coffee breaks, and family celebrations across the country.
Its delicate balance of richness and sweetness makes it a versatile treat, equally at home as a morning indulgence or an afternoon pick me up. For Salvadorans, quesadillas are more than just a snack; they’re a slice of home and tradition, evoking warmth, comfort, and togetherness with every bite.
What Are Quesadillas Salvadoreñas?
Quesadillas Salvadoreñas are a type of sweet, cheesy bread baked to perfection with a golden crust and a soft, moist interior. Traditionally made in round or rectangular shapes, the bread is often sprinkled with sesame seeds on top for added flavour and texture.
Unlike the Mexican quesadilla, which is typically a savoury tortilla based dish, the Salvadoran version is more akin to a dessert or sweet bread, featuring a distinct blend of cheese and sweetness that sets it apart.
This dish is often enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it a beloved accompaniment to early mornings or relaxed afternoons. In bakeries and homes alike, quesadillas are a staple that bridges the gap between nostalgia and indulgence, offering a taste of Salvadoran culture in every bite.
Ingredients and Taste
The ingredients of Quesadillas Salvadoreñas are simple yet carefully chosen to create their unique flavour and texture. The base is made from rice flour, which gives the bread its slightly dense yet tender crumb.
Cheese, traditionally queso fresco or Parmesan, is mixed into the batter, lending a subtle saltiness and depth that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of sugar and milk.
Eggs and butter provide richness, while baking powder ensures a light, airy rise. Sesame seeds, generously sprinkled on top before baking, add a nutty aroma and a delightful crunch.
The result is a bread that is soft and moist on the inside, with a lightly crisp exterior. The flavour profile is a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury, where the cheese adds an unexpected richness that complements rather than overpowers the sugar.
It’s a perfect pairing for a strong cup of coffee, balancing the bitterness of the brew with its gentle sweetness and creamy texture.
A Taste of History
The origins of Quesadillas Salvadoreñas reflect the blending of indigenous and European culinary influences in El Salvador. The use of rice flour harks back to pre-Columbian times, while the incorporation of cheese, butter, and eggs points to the influence of Spanish colonists.
Over centuries, Salvadoran bakers refined the recipe, adapting it to local tastes and ingredients. What emerged was a uniquely Salvadoran treat, cherished for its comforting simplicity and rich, satisfying flavour.
Quesadillas became a fixture in Salvadoran homes and bakeries, often prepared for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Their popularity spread across the country, eventually becoming a symbol of Salvadoran identity and culinary pride. Today, they are enjoyed not only within El Salvador but also among Salvadoran communities around the world, serving as a delicious reminder of home.
Quesadillas Salvadoreñas (Sweet Cheese Bread) Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sesame seeds for topping
Directions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until lukewarm, then set it aside to cool slightly. This step ensures smooth incorporation with the batter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and melted butter together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Whisking thoroughly at this stage ensures a fluffy and even batter.
Slowly pour in the lukewarm milk, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir gently until the liquid ingredients are fully combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the batter's light texture.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Incorporate them gently to avoid deflating the batter.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the batter and mix until evenly distributed. This cheese is essential to the traditional flavour, offering the signature sweet savoury balance of Quesadillas Salvadoreñas.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a generous layer of sesame seeds over the batter for an authentic finishing touch. These seeds provide a nutty flavour and golden texture.
Bake the quesadilla in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice the quesadilla into wedges or squares and serve at room temperature. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an authentic Salvadoran experience. For presentation, place the slices on a decorative plate and garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
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