#762: Crunchy Black Bean Tacos

You COULD follow the recipe as directed below...that is unless you have a quesadilla maker, then you can skip most of it and throw it all in there and you are done before you know it.  The only thing that is missing when you make your quesadilla that way is the flavor from the oil.  But it also makes it healthier since you can omit it. 

I loved the beans of this recipe.  Whether you eat this warmed as a quesadilla or in a taco shell, this is good. 
2 C. black beans, cooked (I used 1 can of black beans rinsed and drained)
½ C. red onion, minced
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
4-6 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
2 Tbsp. olive oil (I omitted)
Pinch of salt and pepper
8 corn tortillas

Optional toppings:
1 avocado, sliced
Hot sauce
Salsa
Sour cream

In a medium bowl, add beans along with red onion, cilantro, and spices. Add a pinch of salt and lightly mash all of the ingredients together. Grate your cheese and have it ready as well.

My version: Place 1 shell in a quesadilla maker.  Top with cheese, bean mixture and another tortilla shell.  Close lid and cook until shells are crispy. 

Original directions:
In a large, non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet, add a few tablespoons of oil and heat over medium-high heat.

Add one corn tortilla at a time and let each get hot in the oil for a few seconds. Then add about 1?4 cup of the bean filling to one half of the tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Using a spatula, carefully fold the tortilla over so it forms a shell. Press down lightly on the tortilla so it holds its shape.

As the first tortilla cooks, move it to the side and do a second one. Depending on the size of your pan, you should be able to get 2 or 3 tacos at once. If you have a griddle you can do even more at once.

Cook each taco for about 3 minutes per side until they are nicely browned and crispy.

When flipping the taco to cook on the other side, use a spatula and flip the taco toward the fold so the filling doesn’t fall out.

Serve tacos with toppings like hot sauce, salsa, avocados, and sour cream.