Spinach & Black Bean Quesadillas

It was May 2009, one day before my reception.  I wasn’t supposed to eat any junk food or carbohydrates the night before, but yet I succumbed.  We had a good number of people staying at my mom’s house that evening and my oldest sister made a HUGE pot of spinach mix.  It was a blend of spinach, tomatoes, cheese, spices, and I’m not sure what else was in it.  In any case, she made me an incredibly healthy & delicious sandwich with this mix and I unwillingly ate 2 sandwiches – SIGH!  I was so hungry that night probably cause I was on a major diet that entire week.  Although I was annoyed at myself for eating carbs the night before, I justified it by telling myself it was healthy.  🙂

Now almost 2 years later and I still remember how good that sandwich tasted.  Aaahhhh… I love my sister’s cooking… anything she makes, I’ll eat.  Her food is sooooo amazing.  I changed up her recipe slightly and added black beans, onions, and jalapenos to make this meal heartier.  In addition, instead of using whole wheat bread, I used spinach wraps and turned them into quesadillas.  You can also use whole wheat wraps.  

Later in the evening I turned my leftover spinach mix into Nachos – scroll all the way down on directions on how to make this.

And now let’s discuss the one thing on everyone’s mind – THE WEATHER!  I hope you all are/were prepared for one of the worst snow storms in the South, Midwest, and Northeast part of the United States.  Chi-town is affected badly.  I know here in the Tri-State we are expecting ice.  Stay safe and warm! 

TELL ME: How are you coping with the severe weather in your area, if at all?

NUTRITION: Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid. Spinach is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Black Beans are a very good source of Fiber, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, Protein, and Iron.  Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamins A and C.  Cheese is a good source of Calcium and Protein.  The spinach wraps are high in Fiber and Protein.

INGREDIENTS (makes 8 quesadillas – more or less):

• Frozen Spinach – 10 ounces (microwaved & drained)
• Black Beans – 1 15 ounce can (washed & drained)
• Plum Tomato – 1 (chopped)
• Jalapeno – 1/2 a Jalapeno (de-seeded & chopped)
• Onion – 1 medium (chopped)
• Fresh Cilantro – 1 handful (chopped)
• Garlic Powder – 2 tsp
• Taco Seasoning – 2 tbsp (Ortega or Old El Paso)
• Salt – 1/2 tsp or to taste
• Spinach Wraps – 8 total – more or less (you can use whole wheat wraps/bread)
• Mexican Cheese Blend – small handful needed twice for each quesadilla
• Sunflower Oil – needed for greasing the pan (1 tsp at a time)
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Start with frozen spinach and place it in a microwave safe bowl with 3 tbsp of water or just follow the directions on the back of the package.

 2. Microwave for 6 minutes.

3. Once done, set aside and allow the spinach to cool.

4. In the meantime, wash and drain a can of black beans.

5. Place beans in a big bowl.

6. Add chopped tomatoes.

7. Add 1/2 a jalapeno.  Add more later if need be, but start with 1/2 for now.

8. Add chopped onions.

9. Add chopped cilantro.

10. Once the spinach cools, squeeze out the access water.  I just used 2 pieces of Bounty towel roll – works well without ripping.

11. Add the drained spinach to the mix.

12. Add garlic powder.

13. Add taco seasoning.  Combine.

14. Taste and add salt to your liking.  Combine.

15. Your mixture is now ready.

16. Grab your cheese and wraps.  Gotta love COSTCO Cheese!  🙂

17. Heat a pan on medium heat.  Once hot, add a tsp of oil – I used sunflower, you can also use Canola.

18. Place the wrap on the pan.  

19. Add cheese on half the wrap.

20. Add the spinach mixture over the cheese.

21. Top with more cheese.

22. Fold the wrap in half.

23. Place a cast iron skillet over the quesadilla – this will grill the quesadilla to perfection.  Check after a couple minutes. 

24. Flip and repeat on the other side.

25. Once done.  Cut the quesadilla into fours.  Serve with sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole.  I just had it plain and it was awesome.  

YUM!

LATER ON IN THE EVENING…
I used some of the leftover mix to make Nachos.  I used Baked Tostitos, topped with some spinach mix, topped with Mexican cheese, and some Hot Sauce.  Place in the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds = perfectly melted cheese.  I enjoyed my nachos with a glass of red wine.  

Insanely delicious!  I LOVE Mexican food!

TELL ME: How are you coping with the severe weather in your area, if at all?