Zesty Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas
Indulge in these irresistibly cheesy Zesty Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas that bring together the perfect mix of flavors. The sweetness of corn melds beautifully with the savory black beans, creating a delightful filling that's enhanced by a hint of spice. This versatile dish is simple to customize—feel free to add grilled chicken for protein or your favorite vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition. Serve these warm, crispy quesadillas with a side of fresh salsa and creamy sour cream for dipping, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it's a fantastic option for those following a Weight Watchers program, offering a satisfying balance of flavors without compromising on taste.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
finely chopped onions
3 tablespoons (none)
black beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
whole kernel corn
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
salsa
1/4 cup (none)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (divided, melted in skillet)
flour tortillas
8 (8 inch) (whole wheat, low calorie preferred)
shredded monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups (divided)
salsa
for garnish (none)
sour cream
for topping (if desired)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they soften, about 2 minutes.
2
Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and corn. Then add the brown sugar, salsa, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook until everything is heated through, about 3 minutes.
3
In a large skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of butter over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle it evenly with 1/4 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
4
Add a portion of the bean and corn mixture on top of the cheese, then place another tortilla over it. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about another 2-3 minutes.
6
Remove from skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and filling, adding more butter as necessary.
7
Slice the quesadillas into wedges, serve warm, and garnish with extra salsa and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas?
They are irresistibly cheesy quesadillas featuring a savory-sweet filling of black beans and corn with a hint of spice.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is labeled as a vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in one serving of these quesadillas?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its melting quality and flavor.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
One serving contains 18.75g of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these quesadillas provide?
Each serving provides 6.25g of protein.
Is there a lot of fiber in this dish?
Each serving contains 3.75g of fiber, largely from the beans and corn.
What kind of tortillas are recommended?
The recipe suggests using eight 8-inch flour tortillas, preferably whole wheat or low calorie.
Can I add protein like chicken to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize the recipe by adding grilled chicken for extra protein.
How do I prepare the black beans and corn?
The black beans should be drained and rinsed, and the whole kernel corn should be drained before use.
What makes the quesadillas 'zesty'?
The zesty flavor comes from the addition of salsa and red pepper flakes in the filling.
Why is brown sugar included in the filling?
Brown sugar is added to provide a subtle sweetness that melds beautifully with the savory beans and corn.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onions in olive oil for about 2 minutes until they soften.
What is the cooking time for the bean and corn mixture?
Once combined with the other ingredients, cook the mixture for about 3 minutes until heated through.
How much cheese should I use per quesadilla?
The instructions recommend sprinkling 1/4 cup of shredded cheese onto the first tortilla.
What is the best way to flip the quesadilla?
Use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla once the bottom tortilla is golden brown.
How long does it take to brown each side of the tortilla?
It takes approximately 2-3 minutes per side to reach a golden brown color and melt the cheese.
What garnishes are suggested?
Garnish with extra salsa and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is noted as a fantastic option for those on a Weight Watchers program.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, you can add your favorite vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition.
How many tortillas does the recipe yield?
The recipe uses 8 tortillas to create multiple quesadillas.
How much butter is needed for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter, divided and melted in the skillet as needed.
What size of black bean can should I buy?
The recipe specifies a 15 1/2 ounce can of black beans.
Is this a fast meal to prepare?
Yes, with short sauté and cooking times, it is categorized as an 'easy recipe' ideal for casual gatherings.
Can I use low-fat cheese?
While Monterey Jack is specified for its meltability, you can substitute with other favorites to customize the nutrition.
How should I serve the finished quesadillas?
Slice them into wedges and serve them warm for the best taste.
How much salsa goes into the filling?
Use 1/4 cup of salsa inside the bean and corn mixture.
What is the total amount of Monterey Jack cheese required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese in total.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A medium heat setting is recommended for both the saucepan and the skillet.