Black Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients

• For the Quesadillas:
• 4 large flour tortillas 🌮
• 1 ½ cups black beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed) 🫘
• 1 ½ cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack) 🧀
• 0.5 cup crumbled queso fresco 🧀
• 0.5 cup finely chopped white onion 🧅
• 1 small garlic clove, minced 🧄
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin 🌿
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
• 0.25 tsp salt 🧂
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking) 🫒🧈
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) 🌿
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat) 🌶️🔥
• For Serving:
• Salsa roja or salsa verde 🍅🌶️
• Sour cream or crema Mexicana 🥛
• Lime wedges 🍋
• Guacamole 🥑

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Black Bean Mixture 🫘
2. 2Heat a small pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil 🫒.
3. 3Sauté the chopped onion 🧅 until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. 4Add the minced garlic 🧄, cumin 🌿, smoked paprika 🌶️, and salt 🧂. Stir for another 30 seconds.
5. 5Add the black beans 🫘 and mash slightly using a fork or potato masher. Keep some texture, not a smooth purée.
6. 6Stir in the chopped cilantro 🌿 and jalapeño 🌶️ (if using). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. 72️⃣ Assemble the Quesadillas 🌮🧀
8. 8Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
9. 9Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Oaxaca cheese 🧀 over half of the tortilla.
10. 10Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture 🫘 evenly over the cheese 🧀.
11. 11Add a bit of crumbled queso fresco 🧀 on top for an extra layer of flavor.
12. 12Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
13. 133️⃣ Cook the Quesadillas 🔥
14. 14Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter 🧈 or olive oil 🫒.
15. 15Place the quesadilla on the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
16. 16Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
17. 17Once the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, remove from the skillet.
18. 184️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! 🍽️
19. 19Cut each quesadilla into triangles and serve warm.
20. 20Garnish with extra queso fresco 🧀, fresh cilantro 🌿, and a drizzle of lime juice 🍋.
21. 21Serve with salsa 🌶️, sour cream 🥛, and guacamole 🥑 on the side.
22. 22Don Luis’ Special Twist:
23. 23For an extra punch of flavor, try brushing the quesadillas with a little garlic butter 🧈🧄 before flipping them on the skillet.
24. 24This small touch adds a subtle but irresistible depth of flavor that makes these quesadillas unforgettable!