Hardware:
Software:
Step 1: The Pan
Put your pan on the stove and turn it onto medium heat (4-5 if you have an electric stove top). Carbon steel takes a while to thoroughly heat up, but once it does, it is hot! Should take around 5 minutes.
Step 2: Your Ingredients
Assemble your ingredients. Gather your 4 tortillas, oil, and cheese. You can either shred the cheese yourself or buy pre-shredded, your preference. I like the taste of freshly shredded cheese, but buying pre-shredded cheese is such a convenience in life and one less item to wash.
Step 3: How To Tell If Your Pan Is Hot
You can tell if your pan is hot by doing two options. First, you can put your hand over the pan and if it takes less than 3 seconds for your hand to get warm, it is ready. Second, you can also use the water method by putting a splash of water on the pan. If the water seems like it is dancing on the pan, is it hot and ready to go.
Step 4: The Cook
Once your pan is hot and ready to go, put in half of the oil amount and wait two minutes. You need the oil to get hot, so the oil doesn’t directly go into the food. Lay down your two corn tortillas, and immediately put down your slices of habanero cheese and your shredded sharp cheddar. Finally, lay down the two other corn tortillas on top.
Step 5: The Wait
Now, the worst part of this recipe is waiting. Each side will take roughly 4-6 minutes to cook. If it looks like the quesadillas are cooking quickly, either add additional oil or turn the heat down. After one side of the quesadilla is golden brown, flip it, turn the heat to 3, and wait another 4 minutes. Again, if they are cooking quickly, either add a small amount of oil or reduce the heat. We want golden brown and crispy, not black and burnt.
Step 6: Warm Up the Plates
While the other side is cooking, I need you to do an important step. This step is specifically really important if you have guests over, warm up your plates. I live in a very cold area, if you serve hot food on cold plates, your food will be ice cold by the time your guest eats. SO, quick tip, if you don’t want the food to be cold, heat your plates in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. I know this is extra, but it makes a difference!
Step 7: Gather Toppings
As your plates are warming up in the microwave and the quesadillas are finishing taking their bath, gather your toppings. I love sour cream and hot sauce mixed! Optionally, salsa, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, and pickled onions are also great on top!
Step 8: Plate and Eat
Once you have everything ready (food, warm plates, toppings) plate your food, add your toppings, and enjoy!