Chickpea and Broccoli Quesadilla Recipe
Chickpea and Broccoli Quesadilla is a delectable, vegetarian delight packed with the goodness of chickpeas and broccoli. This unique twist on the traditional quesadilla combines healthy ingredients with flavorful seasonings, making it a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer. The chickpeas are coarsely ground and sautéed with fresh broccoli, seasoned with a blend of cumin, oregano, and red chili flakes for that signature Mexican flavor. Finished off with a creamy touch, these quesadillas offer a wholesome, filling, and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | 2 |
| For the Filling | |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas, soaked and boiled) | 1 cup |
| Broccoli (cut into small pieces) | 1 cup |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh cream | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Cook the Chickpeas:
Begin by pressure cooking the boiled chickpeas with 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker. Allow 6-8 whistles to release all the steam, then let the pressure release naturally. Once done, add the chickpeas into a blender and pulse them into a coarse mixture. Set this aside for later use. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté them until they soften and become fragrant. -
Prepare the Filling:
Add the ground chickpeas and chopped broccoli into the pan. Stir-fry the mixture for about 5 minutes, ensuring that the vegetables are slightly tender. Next, add the cumin powder, dried oregano, and red chili flakes. Stir well to combine and sauté for another 5 minutes until the spices are fully incorporated and fragrant. -
Finish the Filling:
Turn off the heat and mix the fresh cream into the chickpea-broccoli mixture, ensuring everything is well coated. The creamy, spiced filling for your quesadilla is now ready! -
Prepare the Tortillas:
To make the quesadillas, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter or spray one side of the tortilla with low-fat cooking spray. Place the buttered side of the tortilla down onto the skillet. -
Assemble the Quesadilla:
Spoon the chickpea and broccoli filling onto one half of the tortilla, leaving a small space from the edge. Sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the filling for added flavor and richness. Fold the tortilla over to create a semi-circular shape, covering the filling with the other half. -
Grill the Quesadilla:
Let the quesadilla cook on the skillet until the bottom surface develops deep golden-brown spots and the cheese has melted. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Press down gently on the quesadilla to ensure the cheese melts evenly. -
Flip and Brown the Other Side:
Once the bottom is crispy and golden, carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook the other side until it is also golden and crisp. -
Serve:
Transfer the quesadilla to a serving plate. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the quesadilla into triangular portions. Serve immediately with a side of salsa, sour cream, and a bowl of nachos for an extra crunch. Alternatively, enjoy it with a refreshing Couscous Salad with Raw Mangoes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chickpea and Broccoli Quesadillas make a perfect starter or a light meal. Serve them with a side of creamy salsa, fresh guacamole, or even a bowl of tangy tomato soup for a cozy, comforting meal. The versatility of this dish allows it to pair wonderfully with fresh salads, nachos, or a light vegetable soup. Enjoy!
This deliciously healthy and vegetarian quesadilla is not only easy to make but also full of flavors, textures, and nutrients. The combination of chickpeas and broccoli makes it a satisfying choice, while the creamy finish and perfect grill marks take it to the next level of deliciousness!
