Tag Archives: Meatless Monday

Quinoa Black Bean Quesadillas

I totally made this recipe by accident and I’m so glad I did! I was originally planning on making tacos with this recipe but I couldn’t get the tortillas to cooperate for the photos. Hmmm, what to do? Then it struck me… Quesadillas!

quinoa black bean quesadilla

It was Sunday afternoon and we had a day full of projects, so this made the perfect quick and healthy lunch. My 5 year old loved them and ended up eating more of these than I did.

quinoa black bean quesadilla

tips&tricks

Super busy during the week? Make the quinoa mixture ahead of time and then assemble the quesadillas for a quick week night dinner. The mixture also works with tacos or a burrito if you prefer.

quinoa black bean quesadilla

Ingredients

  • ½ cup quinoa, cooked
  • ¼ cup onion, diced
  • ½ jalapeno pepper, diced or more for added heat
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • ½  teaspoon chili powder Package of whole wheat flour tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, or any of your favorite toppings!

Directions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.  
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and jalapeno pepper for 3 minutes.  
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.  Add cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder to the sautéed veggies. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Set aside  
  4. Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in another skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium high heat.  
  5. Place tortilla in the skillet and spread about a ¼ cup of the quinoa mixture over the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese, optional, and top with another tortilla.   Cook for about 5 minutes, or until brown, and flip.
  6. Cook for a few more minutes, until that side is brown.  
  7. Cut into pieces and serve with your favorite quesadilla toppings. 

Enjoy!

Swiss Chard Lasagna Rollups

Lasagna roll ups…Why on earth have I not made these before? This is my new favorite way to make lasagna. They are so easy and yummy! I used beautiful swiss chard from my Door to Door Organics Tristate delivery. You could also use fresh spinach leaves, but the swiss chard was just delicious and has so many health great benefits!

swiss chard lasagna rollup

I really like how you can use any veggie or meat combination per roll to satisfy any eater. Now my husband doesn’t have to pick out the extra mushrooms I just love. And my daughter, who’s currently on a “not eating anything green” kick had shredded carrots and cheese in hers. Go ahead and get creative!

swiss chard lasagna rollup

swiss chard lasagna rollup

did-you-know

Did you know Swiss chard is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, quercetin, kaempferol, and many other disease fighting antioxidants.  Click here to learn more great health benefits about Swiss Chard.

swiss chard lasagna rollup

Ingredients

  • 6-8 cooked and drained lasagna noodles, depending on many people you will be serving
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 small bunch swiss chard, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Handful fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese for topping
  • Your favorite tomato sauce

Directions

  1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place drained lasagna on parchment paper and lay out flat.
  3. In a skillet heat a tablespoon of oil and saute the onions for about 3 minutes and then add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add chopped swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes.
  5. Place ricotta cheese in large mixing bowl and add beaten egg, swiss chard mixture, herbs, and salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
  6. Spread cheese mixture onto the lasagna noodles and roll up.
  7. Place rolled up noodles in a baking dish coated with about a cup of tomato sauce. Once roll ups are in the dish top with additional sauce and cheese.
  8. Bake, covered for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Enjoy!