Black Bean and Vegetable Quesadillas

Ingredients

• ½ (15½-ounce) can black beans, no salt added
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 bunch fresh spinach (about 4 cups)
• 1 ear fresh corn or 1 cup canned corn
• 4 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese
• 1 Tablespoon canola oil Pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 1–2 teaspoons water
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 (8-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
• Non-stick cooking spray

Optional Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro

Materials

• Box grater
• Can opener
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Fork
• Large skillet with lid
• Measuring spoons
• Medium bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. In a colander, drain and rinse black beans.
2. Rinse zucchini. Cut into thin slices or shred with a grater.
3. Rinse and chop fresh spinach. If using fresh parsley or cilantro, rinse and chop now.
4. If using fresh corn, peel. Use a knife to cut corn kernels off of the cob. If using canned corn, drain.
5. Grate cheese.
6. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add zucchini and cayenne pepper. Cook until zucchini is semi-soft, about 5 minutes.
7. Add corn and spinach. Cover and cook until tender, stirring a few times, about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.
8. Add black beans to the veggie mixture. Stir to combine. Smash beans lightly with a fork. Add 1–2 teaspoons water to make a bean-and-veggie paste.
9. Season mixture with black pepper. If using parsley or cilantro, add now. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Reserve skillet. 10. Spread vegetable mixture evenly on half of each tortilla. Fold tortillas over. Press lightly with spatula to flatten.
10. Spray skillet lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Add one folded tortilla. Cook about 4 minutes per side, or until both sides of tortilla are golden brown. Repeat until all quesadillas are cooked.
11. Cut each quesadilla into 2 wedges. Serve while hot.

Chef’s Notes

• Add your favorite veggies to the filling. In place of zucchini and spinach, use up leftover cooked veggies like collards, squash, or bell peppers.
• To cut costs, use frozen spinach. Defrost, drain, and squeeze completely dry before adding.
• Top with low-fat yogurt or salsa.
• Use the remaining beans in a soup or to top a salad.
• Compare labels for sodium/ saturated fat and look for no trans fat when selecting whole wheat tortillas.