Part 4/8:
Regardless of the method chosen, the heart of the quesadilla remains true to its roots. The recipe emphasizes the significance of freshly prepared ingredients, yet acknowledges the practicality of purchasing pre-made tortillas, a common practice even in earlier times.
The Process of Nixtamalization
While making the masa, the discussion shifts to the significance of nixtamalization—a process where maize is cooked with alkaline water, thereby enhancing its nutritional properties. This practice effectively removes harmful toxins while increasing the bioavailability of niacin, a crucial nutrient particularly important in maize-heavy diets.