Sincronizadas: A Tasty Twist on Mexican Quesadillas

Sincronizadas are a delightful and savory Mexican dish that combines the flavors of cheese, ham, and tortillas into a satisfying meal or snack. Similar to quesadillas, sincronizadas are distinguished by their preparation method—two tortillas filled with cheese and ham, sandwiched together, and then toasted or grilled until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. This dish is popular across Mexico, often served as a quick lunch, appetizer, or even a late-night snack.

Ingredients

For the Sincronizadas:

• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices of ham, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup refried beans (optional)
• Vegetable oil or butter, for cooking

For Garnish (Optional):

• Salsa (salsa verde or salsa roja)
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Pickled jalapeños

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tortillas:
   • If using corn tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet or comal over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side until they become pliable. For flour tortillas, you can skip this step as they are usually soft enough.
2. Assemble the Sincronizadas:
   • Lay out 4 tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of refried beans (if using) on each tortilla.
   • Divide the shredded cheese evenly among the tortillas, spreading it over the refried beans.
   • Place 2 slices of ham on top of the cheese on each tortilla.
   • Top each with another tortilla to create a sandwich.
3. Cook the Sincronizadas:
   • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter.
   • Carefully place each sincronizada in the skillet or griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
   • Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and melting.
4. Serve Sincronizadas:
   • Remove the sincronizadas from the skillet or griddle and place them on a cutting board.
   • Cut each sincronizada into quarters or halves.
   • Serve hot, garnished with salsa, guacamole or avocado slices, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and pickled jalapeños if desired.

Tips for Serving

• Variations: Customize your sincronizadas by adding additional fillings such as cooked chicken, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Side Dish: Serve sincronizadas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the sincronizadas ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave just before serving.

Cultural Significance

Sincronizadas showcase the simplicity and versatility of Mexican cuisine, offering a delicious way to enjoy classic flavors in a convenient handheld form. This dish exemplifies the blending of European and indigenous Mexican culinary traditions, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Conclusion

Sincronizadas are a beloved dish in Mexico for their crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and savory fillings. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or meal, sincronizadas offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a favorite among all ages. Embrace the essence of Mexican cuisine and savor homemade sincronizadas with this authentic recipe, celebrating the rich flavors and cultural heritage of this classic dish.