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black bean and cheese quesadilla with mango-tequila pico de gallo

by Jackie Newgent  |  May 3, 2013  |  5 Comments

 

Black Bean and Cheese Quesadilla with Mango-Tequila Pico de Gallo

Makes 2 servings: 4 wedges each

I was inspired at a recent National Mango Board event. So instead of just providing you with a “tasteover”, I’m providing you with a “mangover”! I developed this recipe with Cinco de Mayo in mind. But please enjoy it anytime you want. Personally, I’ll take this tropical inspired quesadilla over an extra greasy, artery-clogging version any day. The pico de gallo is lightly spiked with tequila for added flair. Though, you can leave it out for the kids, of course. It’s fit for a fiesta … especially while sipping a virgin or not-so-virgin margarita!

Calories Saved: 110

2/3 cup cooked or canned, drained organic black beans (preferably no-salt-added)
Juice of 1/2 lime (1 tablespoon)
2 scallions, green and white part, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/8 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
4 (8-inch) whole grain tortillas
2 ounces (1/2 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese or mixture of Mexican cheeses
1 recipe mango-tequila pico de gallo (see below) or 1/2 cup pico de gallo of choice

  1. Toss together the beans, lime juice, scallions, cilantro, and salt (if using).
  2. Spritz two of the tortillas with cooking spray (fill a Misto bottle with canola or peanut oil). Flip over and sprinkle 1/4 cup of the cheese over the entire surface of these tortillas. Sprinkle with the bean mixture. Then sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Top with the remaining tortillas and firmly press to compact the ingredients. Spritz the top of the tortillas with cooking spray
  3. Cook each in a large (PFOA-free) nonstick skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and quesadilla is browned, about 2 minutes per side.
  4. Cut the quesadillas into 4 wedges each. Top with the pico de gallo, and serve as a meal-in-one or entrée.

Per serving: 510 calories, 16g total fat, 7g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 25mg cholesterol, 950mg sodium, 70g total carbohydrate, 12g dietary fiber, 10g sugars, 21g protein

 

mango-tequila pico de gallo

3/4 cup diced ripe mango
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon tequila
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 small jalapeno pepper, with some seeds, minced
Pinch of sea salt

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Chill until ready to serve. Adjust seasoning. (Note: Can be made up to 2 days in advance.)

 

The “Before” Recipe

3-cheese quesadilla

Adapted from Taste of Home recipe

Makes 2 servings: 4 wedges each

4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 tablespoon salted butter
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mixture of two cheeses, such as sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack
2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallion (green onion)
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons chopped or thinly sliced ripe black olives
1/4 cup salsa
3 tablespoons sour cream

  1. Spread the butter over one side of each tortilla. Spread the cream cheese over the unbuttered side on half the tortillas. Sprinkle with the cheeses, onion, cilantro, and olives. Top with remaining tortillas, buttered side up.
  2. Cook on a griddle over medium heat until the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes per side. Cut into 4 wedges each. Top with the salsa and sour cream, and serve.

Per serving: 620 calories, 36g total fat, 20g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat, 90mg cholesterol, 1450mg sodium, 55g total carbohydrate, 3g dietary fiber, 5g sugars, 18g protein

Tasteover Tips

  • Go for more flavor and texture interest; use cheese and black beans instead of just cheese (it’ll fill you up with fiber, too!)
  • When using less cheese, boost other flavors, like doubling up on scallions
  • Try a “mangover”, such as topping quesadillas with fresh mango pico de gallo instead of jarred salsa (hint: Mango creates sweet intrigue in place of tomato in many recipes, like pico de gallo)
  • Let the mango topping be the star … you’ll be able to skip the sour cream without missing it

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