If you're craving a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish, look no further than these Caramelized Onion Black Bean and Mango Quesadillas! Bursting with flavor and texture, this mouthwatering recipe combines the sweet richness of caramelized onions with the earthy goodness of black beans and the tropical brightness of ripe mango. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these quesadillas are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your cooking game with this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thinly slicing onions, draining and rinsing black beans, and dicing the ripe mango into small, uniform cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until onions become soft, golden, and deeply caramelized.
- While onions are caramelizing, drain and rinse black beans. Gently mash about half the beans with a fork to create a creamy texture that will help bind the quesadilla filling.
- Once onions are caramelized, add black beans to the skillet and warm through for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay out flour tortillas and spread the caramelized onion and black bean mixture evenly on one half of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture and top with diced mango pieces for a sweet contrast.
- Fold the tortillas in half, creating a half-moon shape, and press gently to seal.
- Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Cook quesadillas for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat, let cool for a minute, then slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately.
Tips
- Slice Onions Thinly: For the best caramelization, make sure your onions are sliced thinly and evenly. This allows them to cook uniformly and develop that lovely golden color.
- Low and Slow: When caramelizing onions, patience is key! Cooking them over medium-low heat allows their natural sugars to develop without burning, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor.
- Mash Some Beans: Gently mashing half of the black beans creates a creamy texture that helps bind the filling together, making your quesadillas easier to flip and eat.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for a melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca for a gooey filling. You can also mix in some sharp cheddar for an extra flavor kick!
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, be careful not to overstuff your quesadillas. A moderate amount will ensure they cook evenly and stay sealed.
- Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy exterior, consider brushing the tortillas lightly with olive oil before cooking them in the skillet.
- Serve with Dips: Pair your quesadillas with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mango.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
