Quesadillas Three Ways: Microwave, Stovetop, Oven

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: vegan cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

flour tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

💰Cheaper: corn tortillas

Whole wheat is more nutritious; corn tortillas are often less expensive.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are high in protein and can be a cost-effective substitute.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier; vegetable oil is usually cheaper.

Start with flour tortillas and shredded cheese; if using block cheese, grate it into a bowl.

Use canned beans; rinse them if using canned, or cook if using dried beans.

For the microwave method, place two tortillas on a microwave-safe plate.

Fill one tortilla with cheese, beans, spinach, and red pepper; add more cheese on top.

Place the second tortilla on top and microwave for about 1 minute.

Cut into wedges and eat immediately before they harden.

For the stovetop method, heat a skillet and add a little oil to a regular skillet (no oil needed for nonstick).

Place one large flour tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle cheese over one half.

Add beans, spinach, red pepper, and corn on the same half of the tortilla.

Let it sit for about 3 minutes until the filling is hot and cheese melts.

Fold the tortilla in half and press down to help it stick together with the melted cheese.

Remove from the skillet, place on a cutting board, and cut into wedges.

For the oven method, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place a large tortilla on a tinfoil-lined pan, spray the pan lightly, and place the tortilla spray-side down.

Fill one half of the tortilla with cheese and add a mixture of chicken, corn, and green pepper.

Fold the tortilla over and press down slightly before placing it in the oven for about 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, flip the quesadilla and press down with a spatula; return to the oven for another 5 minutes.

Remove from the oven, cut into wedges, and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary