Black Bean and Kale Quesadillas

Are you ready for a surprisingly satisfying, super quick and totally delicious meal? These Black Bean and Kale Quesadillas have got it all!

It all starts with a simple can of black beans. Mix in some chopped veggies and spices; the filling comes together in a breeze. Slap it in a tortilla with your favourite melty cheese and fry each side to golden brown perfection. You’ll be chowing down in no time!

What you’ll need for Black Bean and Kale Quesadillas:

• Tortillas – I like to use whole wheat for some added nutrients and fiber!
• Cheese – use something that melts easily, like cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Gotta love a good cheese pull!
• Black beans – opt for low or no-added sodium when buying canned beans
• Bell pepper – I love the way the red pepper looks with the green kale and black beans, but any color will do!
• Kale
• Jalapeno – use as much or as little as you like
• Herbs and spices – this recipes uses cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and cilantro in the filling

How to cook your quesadillas:

In a frying pan: I like to assemble my quesadilla directly in the frying pan, so that I don’t lose any filling attempting to transfer a floppy quesadilla. Simply place an oiled tortilla in a pan, spread the filling onto one half, top with cheese and fold the other side over! Cook a few minutes each side until they’re golden brown.

On the grill: take these quesadillas to the grill for an added smoky flavor. This time, leave a 1″ border around the side of the tortilla with your filling and cheese. To prevent losing your precious filling to the fire, brush the edges of the tortilla with water, fold the other side over and press the edges together to seal. On an oiled grill, cook your tortillas over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side.

To meal prep: these quesadillas make a delicious and filling lunch that only takes minutes to cook when all of the components have already been prepped. Mix your quesadilla filling ahead of time, shred your cheese and store in separate sealed containers in the fridge. Come time eat, just assemble everything in a tortilla and cook!

I wouldn’t suggest pre-assembling as the filling would likely make the tortilla soggy.

What to serve with Black Bean and Kale Quesadillas:

As a lunch, light dinner or appetizer, these quesadillas are quite filling on their own. Serve them with some sour cream, salsa or even guac.

For a heartier meal, here are some sides that would pair well with your quesadillas:

• cilantro lime or Spanish style rice
• a lettuce-less salad with corn, tomatoes and red onion
• a Mexican-style soup, such as a chicken or vegetarian tortilla soup
• sauteed fajita veg: a combination of seasoned peppers, onion and mushrooms (Tip: use the same spices as those in the filling!)
• keep it simple with steamed broccoli, carrot sticks or other vegetables

Hope you enjoy! xx

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