Avocado and Black Bean Quesadilla

Looking for a quick and tasty meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious? Quesadillas are a fantastic option that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, catering to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. This recipe for avocado and black bean quesadillas is a crowd-pleaser, packed with the creamy goodness of avocado and the protein-rich punch of black beans, spiced to perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and mashed
• 1/2 cup black beans, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed avocado, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Lay a tortilla flat and spread half of the avocado-bean mixture over one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese, then fold the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
4. Place the tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the quesadilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the second tortilla and remaining filling.
5. Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and let them cool for a minute before cutting into wedges.
6. Serve warm, with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Add protein: For a non-vegetarian version, include cooked, diced chicken or beef.
• Go vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and a touch of lime juice in the avocado mix to keep this dish vegan.
• Spice it up: Include jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the mixture for an extra kick.
• Serve with sides: Pair these quesadillas with a side of rice, corn salad, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Each serving typically contains vitamins and minerals from the avocado, dietary fiber, and protein from the black beans, along with calcium from the cheese. Adjusting the cheese and using whole-grain tortillas can also increase the nutritional value.