Easy Lunches
Cheese and Black Bean Quesadillas
Crisp tortillas with mashed beans, melted cheese, and mild spices.
A quesadilla is a good way to make a small amount of cheese stretch across a meal. Mashed black beans give the filling body, so you do not need to rely on a thick layer of cheese to make it satisfying.
Keep the pan heat moderate. The tortilla needs time to crisp while the cheese melts inside; a very hot pan can burn the outside before the filling is warm.
THE RECIPE
Cheese and Black Bean Quesadillas
Amounts scale automatically. Keep piece sizes similar; pan size and cooking time may need adjustment. Round whole ingredients sensibly.
Ingredients
Canned bean and chickpea amounts refer to the can label weight before draining.
Method
Prepare the beans
Mash beans in a bowl with cumin, paprika, lime juice, and salt. Leave some texture rather than making a smooth puree.
Fill the tortillas
Spread half the bean mixture over one half of each tortilla. Add cheese and fold the empty half over the filling.
Cook the first side
Warm half the oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook one folded tortilla for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden.
Turn and finish
Flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and filling is hot. Repeat with remaining oil and tortilla, then cut into wedges.
Small details that help
Keep filling shallow
A thick mound makes it difficult for heat to reach the center.
Turn with a broad spatula
Supporting the folded tortilla helps keep beans from falling out.
Wait a moment before cutting
A brief rest makes the melted cheese less likely to pull the filling out.
Substitutions & ways to make it yours
Different beans
Pinto beans mash well and have a mild flavor.
More vegetables
Add a small amount of finely diced cooked pepper. Avoid watery raw fillings.
Spicier version
Add chili flakes or serve hot sauce alongside.
A couple of useful questions
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, but use smaller amounts of filling and handle them gently. They may be better cooked as two flat tortillas with filling between.
Can these be reheated?
A dry pan restores some crispness. Reheat thoroughly and watch the tortilla closely.
