My Favorite Quick Meal - Quesadillas

I'm a sucker for the flavors of Mexico. Honestly, one of the best meals I've ever eaten was at a high-end restaurant on the west coast of Mexico in a town called Quatzaqualcos, also spelled Coatzacoalcos. It had a very interesting name, the restaurant, I mean - El Restaurante de Mexico. Go figure. I don't remember anything unusual on the menu, just that everything we ordered was made with top quality, fresh ingredients. Everything we had there was hands-down the best example of that item we'd ever had.

My great-grandmother was known to be an extraordinary cook. Her secret wasn't a secret at all. She simply purchased her ingredients fresh every day. That's just a little 'aside', as it doesn't have much bearing on this specific recipe.

Back to these quesadillas. We always have cheddar and sour cream in the fridge, but I make a point of keeping a can of organic refried beans in the pantry, a jar of salsa in the fridge and a package of large tortillas in the freezer. Whenever I don't know what to fix, or I'm in a big rush, quesadillas are my go-to.

Amy's Organics Refried BLACK Beans have a really nice flavor. As for the tortillas themselves, I usually buy multi-grain or even sprouted grain varieties. I prefer the multi-grain over whole wheat. And even though I try to avoid the white flour tortillas, I have to admit they come out light and cripsy.

The best thing about quesadillas is that you can put anything in them. Just cheese, cheese and beans, or add most any leftover meats or fresh veggies you have on hand. They're easy, quick and forgiving. And delicious, too, of course.

All this makes them an excellent, fun, last minute fix when you have unexpected guests. Just lay out any cooked meats and fresh veggies you have on hand, with refries and grated cheese, and everyone can make their own.

Did I mention in an earlier post that I read recently that adding a serving of beans to your diet every day would CURE diabetes? That's Type 2, but the article also said that Type 1 sufferers could reduce their meds by 80%! Quesadillas are a yummy way to get more beans in your diet.


QUICK QUESADILLAS

2 large tortillas
refried beans
grated cheddar
meats or veggies of your choice (optional & totally unnecessary)

optional garnishes: salsa, sour cream, guacamole (see guacamole & salsa recipes in upcoming post)

Heat healthy oil of your choice on medium-low in a large skillet. (I try to use unscented (flavor removed) coconut oil.) Spread one tortilla with a generous slather of refried beans. Place in hot skillet. Top with optional ingredients and grated cheese. Top with second tortilla. Press down lightly. Cook with your nose - if it starts to smell like it's burning, remove from heat momentarily and reduce burner setting. When bottom tortilla is browned, flip quesadilla using large spatula, or two spatulas, and cook until that side is also golden brown. Cut into wedges with pizza cutter. Top with garnishes of your choice.

NOTE - Want to cut down on carbs? Make your quesadillas open-face by toasting on the rack in a conventional or toaster oven, and serve folded or like a Mexican pizza.