Vegetarian Quesadilla

Makes 4 servings (2 tortillas per person)

Ingredients for the traditional guacamole (from La Vida Verde cookbook):

  • 2 large avocados

  • 1 firm ripe tomato, chopped

  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 jalapeno or other spicy green pepper, minced fine (leave it out if you don't like it spicy)

  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro

  • salt to taste

Ingredients for the quesadilla:

  • 8 medium tortillas of your choice (I used corn/wheat)

  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 cups of arugula (or any other greens of your choice)

  • 1 medium onion sliced thin

  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced thin

  • 1 cup of grated cheese (Monterey jack works well or any other hard flavorful cheese which melts)

  • salt and pepper to taste

Method:

To make the guacamole:

  • Peel and scoop avocado in to a bowl

  • Add all the other ingredients and roughly mash together

To make the quesadilla:

  • Make the filling: In a pan, heat the oil and saute the onions, bell pepper for a few minutes. Add salt to taste. Add the greens, mix and allow it to wilt. Set aside.

  • Heat a large skillet (cast iron preferably)

  • Place the tortilla on the hot skillet and cook until a little browned on both sides, flipping for around 2-3 mins

  • Lower the heat and sprinkle one half of the quesadilla with cheese until well covered. You might use about a tablespoon for a large tortilla. I went lighter with cheese.

  • Top with the vegetable filling using 2 tablespoons or so

  • Sprinkle with more cheese

  • With a spatula, folder the tortilla over to cover the filling and press down

  • Increase the heat if needed and allow the cheese to melt and the quesadilla to brown a bit (a minute or so)

  • Flip carefully to brown the top side as well (a minute or so)

  • Remove and set aside and repeat with the next one

Serve the tortillas hot with guacamole or a salsa of your choice if you prefer.