Haunted Black Bean Quesadillas (Print View)

Cheesy black bean quesadillas with crispy tortillas and festive Halloween accents for family or party fun.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

→ Quesadillas

12 - 8 medium (8-inch) flour tortillas
13 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons butter or oil, for cooking

→ Garnishes & Dips

15 - 1/2 cup sour cream
16 - 1/2 cup salsa
17 - Sliced black olives, for decoration
18 - Guacamole (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Incorporate the drained black beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated. Lightly mash half the beans in the skillet for a creamy consistency. Stir in chopped cilantro, if desired, then remove from heat.
04 - Arrange 4 tortillas on a clean work surface. Evenly distribute the black bean mixture onto each, leaving a 1/2-inch border, and top each with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
05 - Place remaining tortillas atop the filled ones to form 4 quesadillas.
06 - Optional: Employ cookie cutters or a sharp knife to create festive shapes, such as ghosts or pumpkins, on the top tortillas before assembling.
07 - Melt butter or heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Cook each quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
08 - Slice each quesadilla into wedges. Adorn with sliced olives for eyes or creative Halloween presentation.
09 - Present quesadillas warm, accompanied by sour cream, salsa, and optional guacamole.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses pantry-friendly canned beans and spices
  • Easy to customize for allergies or dietary needs
  • Ready in under thirty minutes
  • Perfect for hands-on cooking with kids
02 -
  • High in plant-based protein so very satisfying
  • Vegetarian and easily adapted for vegan diets
  • All ages love getting creative with shapes and decorations
03 -
  • Always mash half the beans for luscious texture
  • Shred your own block cheese it melts smoother than pre-shredded
  • If cutting spooky shapes do it before layering to avoid messy edges

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