Black Bean Quesadillas with Pico De Gallo

Happy New Year to all! I went grocery shopping at Whole Foods down in West Vancouver - such a nice store, but far and expensive. Decided I would try it out and compare the purchase price to that at the normal grocery next time I shop for the same ingredients. I will let you know.

Today I made some super easy quesadillas and Pico de Gallo, which is a rustic salsa. The entire meal took less than an hour to make and clean. It was absolutely delicious! I came up with this recipe a while ago actually - and if it's of any value, Dan said he'll be happy eating Vegan if all meals are as yummy as this one! I served the quesadillas with some home made coleslaw.

Black Bean Quesadillas w/ PDG & [Makes 4 Servings]

2 cans black beans, drained
2 small onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, diced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Cayenne, to taste
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup shredded Vegan cheese (optional)

4 flour tortillas

3 medium tomatoes, quartered
1 small red onion, quartered
1 garlic clove, finely diced
2-3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1/2 a lime (and more to taste)

Preparation:

Heat a pan on medium-high heat. Add ½ the oil, and sauté onions until translucent then add garlic, continuing to sauté until the onions caramelize slightly. Add the black beans and sauté together until heated through. Add water and stir in the cumin, pepper, salt, and cayenne. Bring to a boil and cook until most of the water has evaporated (this allows the beans to break down a little).

In a large pan (large enough to hold one tortilla), heat remaining oil on med-high heat. Place one flour tortilla in the pan and sprinkle vegan cheese on half (if using). Spoon ¼ of black beans onto the same half and fold over, allowing the bottom to brown, about 4 minutes. Flip over to brown the other side, another 4 minutes. Follow the same directions for the 3 remaining tortillas, adding more oil if needed. Place each complete quesadilla onto a plate.

Meanwhile, add in the red onion, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice in a food processor. Pulse until the contents are evenly chopped and begin to look like fresh, delicious salsa.
Serve immediately with prepared quesadillas.