Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese work well)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or sliced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese work well)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or sliced ham
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of cooked refried beans that are smushed
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced onions (optional)
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, sliced (optional, for some heat)
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Fillings:
- If you're using chicken, beef, or any other filling, make sure it's cooked and shredded. Season the filling with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Slice the bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno peppers if using. You can sauté them briefly for extra flavor if desired.
2. Assemble the Sincronizadas:
- Lay out two flour tortillas on a clean surface.
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced onions (optional)
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, sliced (optional, for some heat)
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Fillings:
- If you're using chicken, beef, or any other filling, make sure it's cooked and shredded. Season the filling with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Slice the bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno peppers if using. You can sauté them briefly for extra flavor if desired.
2. Assemble the Sincronizadas:
- Lay out two flour tortillas on a clean surface.
- Spread on mayonnaise
- Spread on beans
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly over both tortillas.
- If you're adding any fillings or vegetables, distribute them on one of the tortillas over the cheese layer.
- Top the fillings with another layer of shredded cheese.
- Carefully place the second tortilla on top to create a sandwich-like structure.
3. Cook the Sincronizadas:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Brush one side of the sincronizada with a little vegetable oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer the sincronizada to the skillet with the oiled side down.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom tortilla becomes golden and crispy.
4. Flip and Cook the Other Side:
- Before flipping, brush the top side of the sincronizada with a little oil or butter.
- Use a wide spatula to flip the sincronizada to the other side.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is also golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Repeat for the Second Sincronizada:
- Follow the same steps to make the second sincronizada with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
6. Slice and Serve:
- Remove the sincronizadas from the skillet and let them cool for a moment.
- Cut each sincronizada into quarters or wedges.
- Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or any other preferred dipping sauce.
Enjoy your homemade sincronizadas as a delightful snack, lunch, or dinner. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Customize the fillings to your liking, and feel free to get creative with different combinations of meats, vegetables, or even add some beans for extra texture and flavor. Buen provecho.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly over both tortillas.
- If you're adding any fillings or vegetables, distribute them on one of the tortillas over the cheese layer.
- Top the fillings with another layer of shredded cheese.
- Carefully place the second tortilla on top to create a sandwich-like structure.
3. Cook the Sincronizadas:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Brush one side of the sincronizada with a little vegetable oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer the sincronizada to the skillet with the oiled side down.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom tortilla becomes golden and crispy.
4. Flip and Cook the Other Side:
- Before flipping, brush the top side of the sincronizada with a little oil or butter.
- Use a wide spatula to flip the sincronizada to the other side.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is also golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Repeat for the Second Sincronizada:
- Follow the same steps to make the second sincronizada with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
6. Slice and Serve:
- Remove the sincronizadas from the skillet and let them cool for a moment.
- Cut each sincronizada into quarters or wedges.
- Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or any other preferred dipping sauce.
Enjoy your homemade sincronizadas as a delightful snack, lunch, or dinner. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Customize the fillings to your liking, and feel free to get creative with different combinations of meats, vegetables, or even add some beans for extra texture and flavor. Buen provecho.
The history of sincronizadas is closely tied to the history of quesadillas, as they are a variation of this popular Mexican dish. The word "sincronizada" translates to "synchronized" in English, and the name likely refers to the synchronized combination of two tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients. The origins of the dish are not precisely documented, but it is believed to have developed in Mexico, particularly in the central and southern regions.
Quesadillas themselves have a long history in Mexican cuisine, dating back to the time of the Aztecs. The Aztecs made flat corn cakes filled with various ingredients, including squash, pumpkin seeds, and beans. After the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century, new ingredients such as cheese and different meats were introduced, further influencing the evolution of quesadillas.
Over time, quesadillas gained popularity throughout Mexico and underwent regional variations. In some regions, especially in the northern part of the country, quesadillas were traditionally made with flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas, and the fillings expanded to include a variety of ingredients such as ham, mushrooms, and different types of cheese.
The sincronizada is believed to have emerged as a spin-off of the quesadilla in the 20th century. It is said to have originated in Mexico City, where cooks and street food vendors started making these "synchronized" quesadillas using flour tortillas and filling them with cheese and various other ingredients. The name "sincronizada" is said to have been given to highlight the symmetrical and layered structure of the dish, as two tortillas were used to sandwich the fillings.
Today, sincronizadas can be found throughout Mexico and are also popular in Mexican restaurants worldwide. They have become a beloved street food and a popular snack or meal option. While the basic concept remains the same, sincronizadas continue to be adapted and modified with different fillings to suit individual tastes and regional preferences.
As with many traditional dishes, the exact history of sincronizadas might not be fully traceable, but their evolution and enduring popularity are a testament to their deliciousness and cultural significance in Mexican cuisine.
Quesadillas themselves have a long history in Mexican cuisine, dating back to the time of the Aztecs. The Aztecs made flat corn cakes filled with various ingredients, including squash, pumpkin seeds, and beans. After the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century, new ingredients such as cheese and different meats were introduced, further influencing the evolution of quesadillas.
Over time, quesadillas gained popularity throughout Mexico and underwent regional variations. In some regions, especially in the northern part of the country, quesadillas were traditionally made with flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas, and the fillings expanded to include a variety of ingredients such as ham, mushrooms, and different types of cheese.
The sincronizada is believed to have emerged as a spin-off of the quesadilla in the 20th century. It is said to have originated in Mexico City, where cooks and street food vendors started making these "synchronized" quesadillas using flour tortillas and filling them with cheese and various other ingredients. The name "sincronizada" is said to have been given to highlight the symmetrical and layered structure of the dish, as two tortillas were used to sandwich the fillings.
Today, sincronizadas can be found throughout Mexico and are also popular in Mexican restaurants worldwide. They have become a beloved street food and a popular snack or meal option. While the basic concept remains the same, sincronizadas continue to be adapted and modified with different fillings to suit individual tastes and regional preferences.
As with many traditional dishes, the exact history of sincronizadas might not be fully traceable, but their evolution and enduring popularity are a testament to their deliciousness and cultural significance in Mexican cuisine.
Bean quesadillas can be a nutritious option. The beans provide plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, supporting overall health and digestion. Whole-grain tortillas add more fiber and complex carbohydrates. Including vegetables like bell peppers and onions can further boost the vitamin and mineral content. Cheese offers calcium and protein, but portion control is important due to its fat content. When prepared with minimal oil and served with salsa or Greek yogurt, bean quesadillas can be a delicious, balanced meal that aligns with a well-rounded diet and offers both satiety and nutritional benefits.
Well Do You Know Sincronizadas?
1. What does the term "sincronizada" mean in English?
a) Synchronized
b) Delicious
c) Spicy
d) Cheesy
2. Sincronizadas are a variation of which popular Mexican dish?
a) Tacos
b) Burritos
c) Quesadillas
d) Enchiladas
3. Which type of tortilla is typically used to make sincronizadas?
a) Corn tortillas
b) Flour tortillas
c) Wheat tortillas
d) Plantain tortillas
4. What is the main filling ingredient in most sincronizadas?
a) Shredded chicken
b) Beef steak
c) Melted cheese
d) Refried beans
5. Sincronizadas are often served with which of the following?
a) Guacamole
b) Salsa
c) Sour cream
d) All of the above
6. Where is the origin of sincronizadas believed to be?
a) Spain
b) Mexico City
c) United States
d) Brazil
7. True or False: Sincronizadas are typically made with only one tortilla.
8. What type of cheese is commonly used in sincronizadas?
a) Parmesan
b) Feta
c) Oaxaca
d) Blue cheese
9. In which regions of Mexico are sincronizadas most commonly found?
a) Northern and Southern regions
b) Central and Eastern regions
c) Western and Coastal regions
d) All regions equally
10. What makes a sincronizada different from a regular quesadilla?
a) It is made with corn tortillas.
b) It is served with a side of rice.
c) It contains additional fillings.
d) It has a triangular shape.
Answers:
1. a) Synchronized
2. c) Quesadillas
3. b) Flour tortillas
4. c) Melted cheese
5. d) All of the above
6. b) Mexico City
7. False
8. c) Oaxaca
9. a) Northern and Southern regions
10. c) It contains additional fillings.