Black Bean & Spinach Quesadillas

Black Bean & Spinach Quesadilla

Ingredients:

• 8 6-inch whole wheat tortillas

• 2 1/2 to cups cooked black beans (or about 1 1/2 canned black beans, drained and rinsed)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro

• 1/4 cup chopped roasted red pepper

• 10 black olives, pitted and thinly sliced

• 4 cups spinach, stemmed and finely shredded

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack or cheddar

• 1/4 cup salsa

1. Heat oven to 375℉ (350℉ convection). Line 2 baking sheet with parchment; place 2 tortillas each on each baking sheet.

2. Heat oil in a 12 inch skillet. Sauté onion for 3 minutes, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add beans, cumin, paprika and red pepper flakes and heat through, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and using back of spoon, mash the beans. Don't mash into a paste, but mash to just break up the beans.

3. Stir in cilantro, roasted red pepper and olives.

4. Divide the bean mixture into 4 and spread each portion on 1 tortilla. Add a quarter of the cheese on top of the beans. Next add a quarter of the spinach on top of the cheese and lastly sprinkle some salsa on top. Place the remaining tortillas on top.

5. Place the tortillas in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Rotate baking sheets half way through cooking.

6. Cut each quesadilla into 4 and serve hot.

Yields: 4 servings

Notes&Tips:

• Black Bean & Spinach Quesadilla is an easy weeknight or lunch recipe that feels like a special meal. Over the years, my family has enjoyed this recipe whether we have had it for lunch or dinner.

• We like our Quesadilla a little crisp on top, so I always turn the broiler on for a minute or two.

• Feel free to substitute the black beans if you're not a fan. Also, cilantro is an herb that some people dislike, so instead use parsley if you are one of those people.

• Generally for this recipe, I would use pepper jack cheese but you could also use swiss cheese or goat cheese if you'd like. It is easy to personalize this recipe for your taste buds.