Smoky Delicata Squash Black Bean Baked Quesadillas Recipes

SMOKY DELICATA SQUASH & BLACK BEAN BAKED QUESADILLAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out two rimmed baking sheets.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onions. Saute, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned here and there, about 5 minutes. Remove onions from pan and return pan to the burner. Reduce heat to medium and immediately add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the squash. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the squash pieces have been seared golden brown on at least one side and are beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add water, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to distribute water and spices and continue to saute, stirring occasionally, until the water cooks off, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Place a flour tortilla on your prep surface and add 1/6 of the toppings to the bottom half of the tortilla, in a single layer. Start with the squash, then scatter about 3 tablespoons of black beans, then add some onions and finally 3-4 slices of the pepper jack cheese. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape and carefully transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Make sure the quesadillas sit in a single layer on the baking sheets - I fit three to a sheet. Note: you can brush the quesadillas with a little olive oil at this point to help them bake up a little more crisp and golden. I usually do this, but I forgot this time and I really didn't miss the extra oil, so I left it out of the recipe.
• Bake until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crisp in spots. Using a pizza cutter, cut each quesadilla into thirds. Transfer to plates and serve with assorted toppings, if desired.

BLACK BEAN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUESADILLAS

Steps:

• Spray a large griddle or skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
• Working in batches as necessary, place one tortilla on the griddle and spread with 1/4 cup squash. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Add a quarter of the black beans and drizzle with about 3 tablespoons of salsa. Top with another 1/4 cup cheese and finish with a tortilla.
• Heat 5 minutes per side or until browned and crispy as desired. Transfer to a plate and use a pizza cutter to slice into wedges. Serve hot with sour cream, avocado, and lime.

ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH

Steps:

• Place squash halves cut side down on a cutting board. Slice into 3/8-inch slices. Transfer slices to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil; add salt and cayenne pepper. Toss to coat squash with oil.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Arrange squash pieces in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Place in preheated oven until bottom of slices is browned and squash is tender, 12 to 18 minutes.

BLACK BEAN & BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUESADILLAS WITH LAZY GIRL'S GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add sliced onions. Cook over medium heat stirring every so often until golden brown and caramelized, 20-30 minutes. Can be made a day ahead of time.
• Meanwhile preheat oven to 400 degrees then line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Add butternut squash, remaining Tablespoon oil, salt, and pepper then toss to coat and spread into an even layer. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized but not mushy. Can be made a day ahead of time.
• Combine black beans, water, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan then heat through over medium heat. Can be made a day ahead of time.
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat then lay down 1 flour tortilla. Sprinkle on 1/4 cup cheese then layer on a quarter of the roasted butternut squash, seasoned black beans, and caramelized onions. Top with another 1/4 cup cheese then place another tortilla on top and griddle until golden brown on both sides. Slice with a pizza cutter then serve with Lazy Girl's Guacamole.
• For the Lazy Girl's Guacamole: Mash avocados and garlic salt to desired consistency. Taste and adjust garlic salt if necessary.