Noun
/kesaˈðila/
A quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla, typically made of corn or flour, that is filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients such as meats, beans, or vegetables. It is folded in half and cooked on a grill or comal until the cheese melts and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
In the Spanish language, the term is commonly used both within culinary contexts and in everyday conversation about food. It is widely recognized and consumed in American culture, especially in areas with significant Mexican influence. The frequency of usage is high in both oral and written contexts, often appearing in menus, culinary discussions, and casual conversations.
Vamos a comer una quesadilla de pollo.
Let's eat a chicken quesadilla.
La quesadilla que preparé tenía mucho queso y salsa.
The quesadilla I made had a lot of cheese and sauce.
Me encanta la quesadilla porque es rápida y deliciosa.
I love the quesadilla because it's quick and delicious.
While "quesadilla" itself is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, the term can represent love for traditional food or cultural identity. Here are some relevant phrases where one might express cultural appreciation or enjoyment of quesadillas:
Se me hace agua la boca cuando pienso en una quesadilla.
My mouth waters when I think about a quesadilla.
No hay mejor cosa que una quesadilla después de un largo día.
There’s nothing better than a quesadilla after a long day.
La quesadilla es un símbolo de la cocina mexicana.
The quesadilla is a symbol of Mexican cuisine.
Siempre pido una quesadilla cuando visito el restaurante.
I always order a quesadilla when I visit the restaurant.
The word "quesadilla" comes from the Spanish word "queso," meaning cheese. The diminutive suffix "-illa" indicates a smaller or lesser version of something, implying "little cheese" or "cheese-like." It refers to the cheese-filled nature of the dish, and its roots can be traced back to traditional Mexican cuisine.
Synonyms: - Tortilla filled with cheese - Taco (in some contexts, depending on how it’s prepared)
Antonyms: - Sopa (soup) – as a contrasting dish type - Ensalada (salad) – as a contrasting dish type
In conclusion, the “quesadilla” is a staple of both Mexican and American diets, symbolizing comfort food and the fusion of cultural identities through cuisine.