Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey to Mexico without leaving your kitchen? These Vegan Quesadillas with Smoky Cheese and Refried Beans are not just a meal; they're a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for seconds! With crispy tortillas enveloping a savory filling of creamy refried beans and luscious vegan cheese, this dish is a plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these quesadillas are sure to impress. Read on to discover how to whip up this scrumptious recipe in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup vegan smoky cheese shreds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas, 1 can of refried beans, 1 cup of vegan smoky cheese shreds, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 avocado (sliced), and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- In a small bowl, mix the refried beans with the cumin to enhance their flavor. Stir until well combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute.
- Place one flour tortilla in the skillet, and spread a generous layer of the seasoned refried beans over half of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle a quarter cup of the vegan smoky cheese shreds on top of the refried beans, ensuring even coverage.
- Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape, pressing down gently to secure the filling inside.
- Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula.
- Cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool for a minute.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, refried beans, and vegan cheese, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
- After all quesadillas are cooked, slice each one into wedges and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Top the quesadillas with sliced avocado and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the vegan quesadillas warm, and enjoy them with your favorite salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Tips
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even corn to enhance the flavor and texture of your quesadillas.
- Perfectly Crispy Tortillas: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tortillas. This will help achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior that everyone loves.
- Don’t Rush the Cheese: For the best melty texture, use a high-quality vegan cheese that melts well. Look for brands that specifically advertise melting properties.
- Keep it Warm: If you’re making multiple quesadillas, keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
- Serve with Style: Elevate your dish by serving the quesadillas with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or a zesty vegan sour cream for dipping.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the refried beans for an extra kick of flavor that complements the smoky cheese beautifully.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and ripe avocado for garnishing to add a burst of freshness that will elevate the overall taste of your quesadillas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
