If you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal, these Creamy White Bean and Spinach Quesadillas are a must-try. Packed with hearty beans and fresh spinach, they offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend lunch, this recipe promises creamy goodness in every bite.
Steps
- Rinse and thoroughly drain a 15oz. can of cannellini beans, then place them in a bowl. Add 3/4 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp salt, mixing well to coat the beans with the spices.
- Chop approximately 2 cups of fresh spinach into small pieces. Add the chopped spinach into the bowl with the spiced beans.
- To the mixture, add 4 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Evenly distribute the spinach and bean filling among four tortillas, placing the mixture on one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadillas, one or two at a time, until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown, and the filling is hot and melted, about 3-5 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, slice the quesadillas in half and serve them warm, ideally with a tangy salsa on the side for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 8-inch flour tortillas
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1849.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 204.32g | Protein: 71.32g | Fat: 80.12g | Sodium: 3719.6mg | Fiber: 36g
FAQ
- What kind of white beans are recommended for these quesadillas?
- Cannellini beans are recommended for this recipe because of their larger size and firm texture, which helps them maintain their shape. Other white beans, such as navy beans, might break down and are better suited for soups or stews.
- Do I need to add oil while cooking the quesadillas in the skillet?
- It is not necessary to add oil when cooking the quesadillas in a skillet, as they do not stick. However, if you prefer a more fried texture for the tortillas, you can choose to use oil.
- What can be served alongside these quesadillas?
- These rich and creamy quesadillas pair well with a tangy salsa or pico de gallo. A smoky chipotle red salsa complements their flavors beautifully. Although sour cream or guacamole is typically served with quesadillas, the creaminess of the filling makes these additions redundant.
- How long does it take to prepare these quesadillas?
- These Creamy White Bean and Spinach Quesadillas can be prepared in approximately 20 minutes, making them an ideal quick and easy meal option.
- Can I make a chicken version of this recipe?
- Yes, there is a chicken version available. You can find it by checking out the recipe for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas.
Tips
- Use cannellini beans for their firm texture and ability to hold shape, making them ideal for this quesadilla filling, unlike other white beans that may break down.
- Consider serving these rich and creamy quesadillas with a tangy salsa or pico de gallo to balance the flavors, instead of additional creamy toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
- For a crispy exterior, cook the quesadillas in a dry skillet. If you prefer a more fried texture, feel free to add a little oil to the pan.
- Roughly chop the spinach before mixing it with the other filling ingredients to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks in the quesadillas.
Equipment
- Skillet – If you don’t have a skillet suitable for cooking quesadillas, you might want to look for a non-stick or cast-iron skillet.
- Cheese Grater – To shred the pepper jack cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
- Mixing Bowl – A medium-sized mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
