Quesadilla Herreña
(Quesadilla de el Hierro)
Quesadilla Herreña is a traditional dessert from El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands in Spain, invented at the beginning of the 20th century. This sweet pastry is a unique culinary specialty of the island and is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.
The main ingredients include fresh cheese from El Hierro (queso herreño), flour, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, cinnamon, and aniseed. The fresh cheese is crucial to the recipe, giving the quesadilla its distinctive texture and flavor. Quesadilla Herreña has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor due to the fresh cheese, with lemon zest and aniseed adding aromatic notes that complement the sweetness.
The pastry is typically round, with a slightly domed top and a golden-brown crust, often baked in individual sizes for easy serving. Read more
The preparation involves mixing the fresh cheese with the other ingredients to form a smooth batter, which is then poured into round puff pastry molds and baked until golden brown. The result is a moist, dense cake with a unique, slightly crumbly texture.
More than just a dessert, Quesadilla Herreña is a symbol of El Hierro’s culinary traditions, commonly served during festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings, and is a popular souvenir for visitors to the island. The use of locally produced cheese highlights the island's dairy farming heritage and its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Quesadilla Herreña is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but it can also be served at room temperature. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack at any time of the day. This unique pastry is a testament to the island’s dedication to preserving its traditional recipes and celebrating its local ingredients.
WHERE TO EAT The best Quesadilla Herreña in the world (according to food experts)
