Authentic Mexican Sincronizadas

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack) 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 8 slices of ham or cooked chicken 8 slices of ham or cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup (120ml) homemade salsa (recipe below) 1/2 cup (120ml) homemade salsa (recipe below)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• Homemade Salsa: Homemade Salsa:
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeno pepper, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. 2.
   Lay out two tortillas and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over each tortilla.
3. 3.
   Place four slices of ham or cooked chicken on top of the cheese on each tortilla.
4. 4.
   Spoon the homemade salsa over the ham or chicken, dividing it evenly between the two tortillas.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the salsa on each tortilla.
6. 6.
   Top each tortilla with another tortilla to create a sandwich-like structure.
7. 7.
   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
8. 8.
   Carefully transfer one sincronizada to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. 9.
   Repeat with the second sincronizada.
10. 10.
    Remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute before cutting each sincronizada into quarters.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tortillas — If using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, make sure to warm them up before assembling the sincronizadas to prevent them from breaking. You can quickly heat them on a dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Homemade salsa — Adjust the spiciness of the salsa by adding more or fewer jalapeno peppers. You can also customize the flavors by adding additional ingredients such as garlic or cumin.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different fillings such as cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even leftover grilled meats.
• For a spicier version, add some sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce before grilling the sincronizadas.
• Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or additional salsa for dipping.
• If you don't have a skillet or griddle, you can also cook the sincronizadas in a panini press or even on a regular grill.
• To make the sincronizadas extra crispy, brush the tortillas with melted butter or olive oil before grilling.

Serving advice

Serve the sincronizadas hot, either as a main dish or cut into smaller pieces as appetizers. They are delicious on their own but can also be accompanied by a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sincronizadas on a platter, making sure to display the melted cheese and colorful fillings. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with a bowl of homemade salsa on the side for dipping.