| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 15g | 4.5g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 11g | 16g | 1.02g |
Why I Love Canadian Butternut Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas
Nothing represents fusion cuisine better than this scrumptious Canadian recipe: the Butternut Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas. While my typical posts revolve around my Celtic roots and New England seafood traditions, today’s culinary adventure takes us north – to our Canadian neighbors. This recipe, at its core, is a celebration of varied flavors and colors, alongside the infusion of comfort and love that goes into every dish we cherish.
The Unmissable Fusion Cuisine
This dish reminds me of one of my favorite chefs, Jamie Oliver, who is also known for advocating healthy eating through his food revolution campaign. His remarkable quesadilla recipe was a launchpad inspiring me to create a fusion version, subtly blending Canadian ingredients into the famously Mexican delight.
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas – A Comfort Dish
What I absolutely adore about Butternut Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas is how comfortable they are. Biting into one is like tucking under a warm blanket during those cold Canadian winters. Each ingredient comes together to create a unique blend of tantalizing flavors – notably, the hints of minced garlic and cumin that lend a special touch to the butternut squash and black beans.”
The mild smokiness of the beans, the sweet and nutty tones of the butternut squash, and the gooey mozzarella cheese contrast and complement each other to create a medley of flavors as diverse yet harmonious as the vibrant Canadian landscape.
Complementing Dishes
This dish works beautifully as a standalone, but combine it with a side of creamy avocado and corn salad or a hearty bowl of vegetarian chili, and you’ve got a meal to remember. Served alongside a dollop of sour cream and a generous spoonful of salsa, each quesadilla transforms into a mouth-watering delight.
Plus, the best part of these quesadillas is their incredible adaptability – whether it be for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or casual party finger food, they capture heartwarming flavors and easy-to-make convenience.
In the end, cooking is a labor of love; creating dishes that are not only delightful on the tongue but also nourishing for the body is a joy unparalleled. And these Butternut Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas, my friends, are a perfect embodiment of that love and joy.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 (8 inch) flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 jar (16 oz) of salsa
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your butternut squash. Peel the squash and cut it into small cubes until you have 2 cups’ worth. Next, drain and rinse the can of black beans. Set both aside.
Step Two
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté this until the onions are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Add the butternut squash cubes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Then, add the ground cumin, salt and pepper, and stir well to combine.
Step Four
Add the drained black beans to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Cook this mixture for another few minutes until everything is heated through.
Step Five
Place one of the tortillas onto a flat surface. Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese onto one half of the tortilla. Then, scoop some of the squash and black bean mixture onto the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
Step Six
Heat a separate skillet or griddle on medium heat. Once hot, add the filled tortilla. Cook each side until it’s golden brown and the cheese has melted, this should take about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Step Seven
Repeat this process with the rest of the tortillas and filling. Once all the quesadillas are cooked, serve them warm with the jar of salsa and sour cream for dipping.
