Simple Spinach Quesadillas Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Vegetarian Delight
Description:
When necessity calls, creativity often responds, and such was the case when a vegetarian friend unexpectedly joined us for a cookout. With little time and ingredients on hand, I swiftly whipped up these Simple Spinach Quesadillas. While they may not boast extravagant presentation, they have become a staple in my kitchen—especially on days when I’m tired of the usual salad mix. Feel free to customize them to your taste by adding shredded cooked chicken, jalapeños, diced bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, or even crispy bacon alongside the fresh spinach.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 40.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 106.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1409.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g |
| Sugars | 5.1 g |
| Protein | 21.6 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | 3-4 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Chili Powder | 4-6 teaspoons |
| Sour Cream | 4 tablespoons |
| Salsa | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Spinach | 1/4 pound |
| Shredded Cheese (your choice) | 1/4 pound |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spinach: Begin by tearing the fresh spinach leaves into smaller pieces. This ensures that the spinach does not all come out in one bite and allows for even distribution throughout the quesadilla.
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Butter the Tortilla: Take one tortilla and butter one side generously. This step adds flavor and ensures a golden, crispy texture during cooking.
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Cook the Tortilla: Place the buttered tortilla, butter-side down, in a preheated pan over medium heat. Allow it to warm slightly, which helps to bring out the flavors.
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Add the Spinach and Cheese: Dump the torn spinach onto the tortilla, followed by a generous handful of shredded cheese. To elevate the flavor profile, sprinkle the mixture with chili powder to your taste.
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Fold the Tortilla: Carefully fold the tortilla in half, covering the spinach and cheese, creating a half-moon shape akin to an omelet. Press down gently to help the filling stay inside as it cooks.
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Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until it turns lightly browned and the cheese has melted. Flip it over and repeat on the other side. The key is to achieve a beautiful golden crust while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it sit for a minute. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, or any additional toppings you have on hand. Enjoy this delightful treat as a quick lunch, light dinner, or satisfying snack!
Tips for Customization
- Protein Addition: For those looking to enhance the protein content, consider adding shredded cooked chicken or turkey along with the spinach.
- Vegetable Variations: Diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even mushrooms can provide a delightful crunch and additional flavor.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors and textures to your quesadilla.
This Simple Spinach Quesadilla recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also a versatile dish that you can adapt to suit your palate. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a refreshing salad, it proves to be a delightful vegetarian option that even non-vegetarians will appreciate. Enjoy the creativity that comes with cooking and make this dish your own!
