Thursday, April 05, 2012

Lazy Lady's Quesadilla

This week feels like it's been tumbling out of control. I haven't been able to gain any footing at all and I can't seem to get on top of things.


So goes the life of a graduating university student, I suppose.

But a life that's barreling down the tracks with no brakes and no life vest (or maybe seat-belt is more applicable to a train analogy) results in lazy lady suppers.


Right now I need something quick. Simple. Tasty. Healthy. And fun. Because we all need a little more fun in our lives. I don't know anyone who couldn't use more fun. I love fun!

Speaking of fun.... You might want to be a part of this. Seriously. It's going. to. be. epic.

What else is epic and fun? Quesadillas!


I've linked in the ingredients listing to my recipes for salsa fresca and guacamole - this will double your prep/cooking time. To speed things up you could buy the pre-made stuff but let's be honest: that shit ain't near as good or good for you as fresh. And even when I'm in tears and flailing because I can't get a grip, I'm still willing to give up 30 minutes or so to prep my own salsa. Mmmmm salsa....

Lazy Lady's Quesadilla
(printable recipe)


Ingredients:

4 Large Whole Wheat or Corn Tortillas.
1 Package Smoky Cheese - I used Little Qualicum Caerphilly, grated.
1 Can Black Beans, drained and well rinsed.
2 Large Ears of Corn (or a can, drained), shucked.
1 Large Onion, peeled & sliced.
Approx. 2 C Squash, peeled & cut into 1" cubes.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper.

To Serve:

1 Batch Guacamole.
1 Batch Salsa Fresca.
Sour Cream.

What to Do:

Multi-tasking time! Pre-heat your oven to 500 degrees F; & bring a large pot of water to a boil; Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat.

As that stuff heats, toss the squash in a couple good glugs of olive oil and a nice helping of salt and pepper. Arrange as a single layer on a baking pan.

When your oven is hot place the squash in the oven for about 20 minutes. Remove when fork tender. Set aside; 
Once your water is boiling, add the corn and cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, drain, allow to cool enough to touch and cut the kernels away with a steak knife. Set aside; 
And lastly, once your pan is hot, add a couple glugs of olive oil, add the onions, mix well to coat, and slowly caramelize them until golden and delicious. Set aside.

Now assemble! Place a tortilla on a plate. Sprinkle some cheese on one half of the tortilla. Top off with a nice helping of black beans, corn, caramelized onions, a bit of squash and if you like, a little more cheese. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over and lightly press down. Repeat four times.

If you have a big enough pan, you can cook two of these bad boys at a time. Wash off your onion pan and lightly grease with a small amount of olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Slide the filled tortilla off the plate and into the pan. Allow to brown on one side (about 2 to 3 minutes) and the cheese to melt. Very carefully roll the little guy on the closed end to his other side and brown that side.


Slide onto a cutting board. Cut into 3 or 4 wedges. Serve with Salsa Fresca, Guacamole, and sour cream.


Eat.

Photobucket

This post is linked up with This Chick Cooks; Cast Party Wednesday; Tastetastic Thursday; Full Plate Thursday; Simple Lives Thursday; The Hearth & Soul Blog Hop via The 21st Century Housewife; Slightly Indulgent Tuesday; Tuesday Talent Show; Tasty Tuesdays.

14 comments:

  1. I've never made a quesadilla but yours look great and I'm tempted to give them a go :)

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    Replies
    1. Bridget - they're so simple and so filling and so great. :)

      K.

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  2. Quesadilla's are always a winner here with this crowd, this looks like a great recipe. Hope you have a wonderful week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Miz Helen. They're winners here too now, apparently. ;)

      K.

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  3. Gorgeous photography. Thanks for linking up at A Little Nosh each week...you're featured today! http://www.alittlenosh.net/2012/04/tastetastic-thursday-412.html

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    Replies
    1. Ooooh I'm excited Amy! (and honored of course)... Thank you!

      K.

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  4. I've eaten these out, but for some reason, never made them at home. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  5. Wow, this sounds delicious! I followed you over from Chef-in-Training and would like to invite you to share this, and any other posts, on my link party at www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com. Have a great weekend.

    Hugs,
    Michelle

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  6. Your quesadillas look awesome! Quesadillas are often served at our house on busy nights too.

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  7. I know the feeling of tumbling out of control weeks - the time just seems to fly by at the moment - and I think your Lazy Lady's Quesadillas are the perfect antidote! They look amazing, and I really liked the guacamole and salsa fresco recipes you linked to. I have never added red wine vinegar to guacamole, and I've always felt mine was missing something - so I think that may be it! I can't wait to try your recipe and find out. Thank you for sharing this very delicious post with us at Hearth and Soul.

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    Replies
    1. Ooooh! I hope it's an addition you dig. I find it gives the guac a little much needed acidity. Avocados are great but they're so rich. A little vinegar goes a long way :)

      K.

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