3 Beans Stuffed Quesadillas
These 3 Beans Stuffed Quesadillas are a delightful twist on the traditional Mexican favorite. Packed with high-protein beans, savory spices, and melted cheese, these quesadillas are perfect for a wholesome lunch or a satisfying dinner. The homemade whole wheat tortillas add an extra layer of flavor and make these quesadillas even more special. Served with fresh salsa and a bowl of tangy sour curd, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Here’s how you can make these delicious 3 Beans Stuffed Quesadillas from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Water | As needed for kneading |
For the Bean Filling:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) | 1/4 cup, soaked overnight |
Black Eyed Beans (Lobia) | 1/4 cup, soaked overnight |
Red Black Eyed Beans (Azuki) | 1/4 cup, soaked overnight |
Tomatoes | 4, blanched and pureed |
Onion | 1, chopped |
Garlic cloves | 4, minced |
Red Chilli Flakes | 1 tsp |
Dried Oregano | 1 tsp |
Paprika Powder | 1 tsp |
Sugar | 1 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Cheese (Grated) | 1/2 cup |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tortillas:
- Begin by preparing the whole wheat flour tortillas. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and olive oil. Gradually add water, a little at a time, while kneading the dough until it comes together and becomes smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes to make it fluffy and soft when cooked.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Take each dough ball, flatten it with your palm, and dust it with a little flour. Roll it out into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter. If the dough becomes sticky, sprinkle it with more dry flour as you roll.
- Cook the rolled dough one by one in the preheated skillet, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside the cooked tortillas.
2. Prepare the Bean Filling:
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked Rajma (large kidney beans) and water. Cook for about 3 whistles or until the beans are tender. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. Add the soaked Black Eyed Beans and Red Black Eyed Beans (Azuki) along with some additional water. Cook for another 3 whistles until all the beans are soft and cooked through.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked beans and a bit of water to adjust the consistency. Stir in red chili flakes, dried oregano, paprika powder, sugar, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until the flavors meld and the gravy thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Preheat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Take one tortilla and spread butter on one side. Place the buttered side down on the skillet.
- Spoon a generous amount of the prepared 3 beans filling onto one half of the tortilla, leaving about 1/2 inch space around the edges.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the filling.
- Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press gently to seal.
- Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy and the cheese begins to melt. Press the quesadilla slightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Flip the quesadilla carefully to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate. Cut into triangular portions using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
4. Serve:
Serve your delicious 3 Beans Stuffed Quesadillas with fresh tomato salsa, pineapple salsa, and a bowl of sour curd for dipping. The combination of warm, cheesy quesadillas with tangy and sweet salsas will elevate the flavors of this wholesome dish.
Tips for a Perfect Quesadilla:
- Fresh Tortillas: Homemade tortillas add a special touch to your quesadillas, but you can also use store-bought tortillas for a quicker option.
- Cheese Options: You can use a variety of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for extra flavor.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fiber | 8g |
Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Sodium | 400mg |
Sugars | 4g |
These 3 Beans Stuffed Quesadillas are the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy them with your favorite salsas and dips for an authentic Mexican-inspired meal!