Crispy Toasted-Cheese Black Bean Quesadillas

Steps

1. 1

   Drain and rinse the black beans. In a bowl, mash them coarsely with a fork, leaving some beans partly intact for texture.

2. 2

   Combine the mashed beans with the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Mix until evenly seasoned.

3. 3

   Let the bean mixture cool before adding the cheese. This is important: if the cheese is mixed into hot beans, it can emulsify and lose the gooey texture desired in the finished quesadillas.

4. 4

   Stir about one-third of the shredded cheese into the cooled bean mixture. Reserve the remaining cheese for forming the crisp cheese crust in the skillet.

5. 5

   Spread the bean-and-cheese filling over four tortillas, leaving a narrow border around the edges. Top with the remaining tortillas and press gently so the filling is distributed evenly.

6. 6

   Heat a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and place one quesadilla in the pan.

7. 7

   Cook the quesadilla until the underside is lightly browned and the filling is hot, about 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn it with a wide spatula.

   Start 3-minute timer
8. 8

   Sprinkle a thin, even layer of the reserved shredded cheese directly into the skillet around the edge of the quesadilla and, if space allows, beneath part of it. Cook until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown and lacy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

   Start 2-minute timer
9. 9

   Press the quesadilla gently into the melting cheese so the cheese adheres to the tortilla. When the crust is crisp and releases easily from the pan, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board with the cheese-crusted side facing up.

10. 10

    Repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil only as needed and allowing the pan to return to medium heat between batches so the cheese browns rather than burns.

11. 11

    Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, or other desired garnishes.