Spicy Mumbai Quesadillas
Quick, tasty Mumbai quesadillas bring together spicy mint chutney, gooey melted cheese, and shaved veggies for a delicious any time treat. These easy quesadillas are perfect for an after school snack, casual entertaining, or evening sundowners.
I don’t know what it is about quesadillas that keeps me coming back for more. It may be the stretch and naughtiness of melted cheese. Or, it could be the fact that the tortilla stays in the background, highlighting the flavours of the fillings.
But, for me, the clincher is the fact that quesadillas are a blank canvas — inviting you to experiment and reinvent, or simply use up some leftovers. They’re a quick, easy creative outlet that also satisfies the urge to indulge. Whatever the appeal, quesadillas are an undeniable treat.
Lately, it seems as if each member of my family is following a different dietary regime — from vegan to omnivorous. So, for me, an added benefit of quesadillas is the fact that they can easily be customised. And, yes, there are now melty vegan cheeses available at the supermarket! So, when quesadillas are on the menu, there’s something for everyone with minimal fuss.
What Is a Mumbai Quesadilla?
This recipe was inspired by my passion for one of Mumbai’s iconic street foods — the Mumbai sandwich. These toasted sandwiches are nothing short of addictive. A combination of fragrant, spicy green chutney, sliced onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, chaat masala, and gooey cheese. There is nothing not to love!
Mumbai quesadillas have fewer carbs, but are equally easy to make. Simply slather two multigrain tortillas with spicy mint chutney. Top one of the tortillas with shredded cheese, finely sliced onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. Then, sprinkle the lot with a healthy dose of chaat masala. Cover the veggies with another layer of shredded cheese, and top with the second tortilla. Finally, transfer the tortilla “sandwich” to a hot skillet, and toast on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly browned. The result is pure bliss!
About this Recipe
Mumbai quesadillas are quick and easy to make. Even if you don’t keep spicy mint chutney in your fridge, it can easilybe whipped up in under ten minutes. The only trick to the recipe is to ensure that the cheese is melted.
Nothing is worse than a quesadilla with un-melted cheese! However, never fear, consistently melty cheese is a no-brainer. It’s simply a question of getting the temperature right under your skillet.
I like to keep my heat on the lower side of medium. Then, I simply give my quesadillas a good 3-4 minutes per side. As soon as the tortilla picks up a bit of colour on one side, flip the “sandwich and let it cook on the other side.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Of course you can! Provided the vegetables you choose cook quickly (or are already cooked), you are only limited by your own taste and your imagination.
Most of all, I hope your family enjoys these easy Mumbai quesadillas every bit as much as mine does. Bon appétit!
Spicy Mumbai Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 8 whole grain tortillas
- 1 batch spicy mint chutney
- 2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small green pepper, cored, seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons chaat masala
- 200 g shredded low fat mozzarella (real or vegan)
Instructions
- Preheat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
- Lay out 2 tortillas on your work space. Coat each with a generous layer of chutney by swirling it around in concentric circles, as you would pizza sauce.
- Spread a layer of cheese on one of the tortillas (about 1/4 cup). Arrange onions, tomatoes, and green pepper slices over the cheese. Top the vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala and another layer of cheese. And, finally place the other tortilla (chutney side down) on top of the stack. Repeat with the remaining 6 tortillas.
- Add the first quesadilla "sandwich" to the preheated skillet and toast for about 4 minutes on the first side, or just until lightly golden brown. Flip and toast on the second side for approximately 4 additional minutes, or just until golden. Repeat with the remaining 3 quesadilla "sandwiches".
- Cut into 4 and serve immediately with additional chutney, if desired.