RECIPE of the Day - 4/29/2007

Living in Texas, we eat a lot of mexican food. Quesadillas are great, but this is a recipe I really like - it's all in one pan and is quite delicious. The enchilada sauce is the best I have ever had and I make it at least twice a month. So, enjoy!



Quesadilla Casserole

1 1/4 cup enchilada sauce (recipe follows)
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups (8 ounces) grated Monterey Jack, plus 1/4 cup for the top
1 3 1/2- to 4-pound rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 cup salsa
1 avocado, diced
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Heat oven to 400° F.

In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and cream. Spoon 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a shallow 2-quart casserole or 9-inch springform pan. Top with 1 tortilla and a third each of the cheese, chicken, onion, and zucchini. Repeat twice to form a total of 3 layers. Top with the remaining tortilla, sauce mixture, and cheese.

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more. Slice into wedges and serve with the salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

Enchilada Sauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons self-rising flour
1/4 cup New Mexico or California chili powder
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
salt to taste

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in flour and chili powder, reduce heat to medium, and cook until lightly brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning flour. Gradually stir in tomato sauce, water, cumin, garlic powder, and onion salt into the flour and chili powder until smooth, and continue cooking over medium heat approximately 10 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.
653 calories per serving.