Skip to main content

Grilled Tortilla and Onion Cake

4.3

(9)

When buying flour tortillas, it is important that they be as fresh and soft as possible—neither rigid, dry, nor cracked around the edges. For the recipe below, the tortilla cake slices have a smokier flavor and are crisper when cooked on the grill than when broiled, which leaves them moister.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 8 slices

Ingredients

twelve 7- to 8-inch flour tortillas
1 1/2 pounds red onions, chopped fine (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
about 3 dozen wooden picks

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare grill

    Step 2

    On a rack set about 5 inches over glowing coals toast tortillas lightly a few at a time, turning them once, until they begin to puff on each side but are still soft. Alternatively, tortillas may be toasted on a stove-top griddle over moderately high heat.

    Step 3

    In a large non-stick skillet cook onions in oil over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 15 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl and cool. Stir in parsley, Parmesan, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste.

    Step 4

    Spread onion mixture on 11 tortillas, stacking them, and top the stack with remaining tortilla. Wrap cake well in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

    Step 5

    Discard plastic wrap and with large sharp knife cut cake into 3/4-inch-wide slices (not wedges). Turn each slice onto its side and secure ends and middle with wooden picks.

    Step 6

    In a small bowl stir together vinegar and remaining 1/4 cup mayonnaise and brush some of mixture on a cut side of each slice.

    Step 7

    Grill slices, mayonnaise sides down, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Brush tops with remaining mayonnaise mixture, turn slices, and grill until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.

    Step 8

    Alternatively, broil slices on rack of broiler pan about 4 inches from heat, mayonnaise sides up, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn slices and brush tops with remaining mayonnaise. Broil until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.

    Step 9

    Discard wooden picks

Read More
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
A why-didn't-I-think-of-that technique takes this classic from great to greater.