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Butternut Squash, Kale, and Black Bean Quesadillas

Servings 2 Quesadillas
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Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsp avocado oil or oil of choice
  • 3 cups butternut squash raw, diced (a medium sized squash)
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 can black beans drained
  • 4 oz white cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 large whole wheat tortillas or tortilla of choice

Instructions
 

  • To dice the butternut squash, pierce with a fork. Cut off the ends. Microwave for 2-3 minutes (depending on the size.) Peel with a vegetable peeler. Slice in half. Scoop out the seeds. Dice.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced butternut squash. Add salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and browning.
  • Add kale. Cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
  • In another skillet (or remove butternut squash mixture, wash, and reuse), heat the skillet with a small amount of oil or butter. Lay down one tortilla. Top with 1 oz shredded cheese, 3/4 cup butternut squash mixture, 1/3 cup black beans, and another oz of cheese in that order.
  • Cook until golden brown. Flip. Cook again until golden brown. Repeat for the second quesadilla.

Notes

Other Thoughts:
  • These would also make delightful tacos!
  • The butternut squash filling is super good plain as well.
  • If you want to buy the butternut squash pre-cut, go for it! Saves time but is a little more expensive.
  • Feel free to freeze and thaw in the refrigerator or microwave when you're ready to use it.
How-to-Use:
Athletes: A fabulous recovery meal - full of complex carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants. Plus, when you cook down the kale and butternut squash - you get a lot more nutrition with much less chewing. And, after a long workout, who wants to chew a massive kale salad to get their antioxidants for recovery?! Not me.
Healthy Eating: We all know we need to eat our veggies. But, sometimes veggies get boring. But you know what never gets boring?! Eating veggies in your quesadillas! Promise. Eat this for dinner knowing you're getting everything you need: veggies, protein, complex carbohydrates, and ALL the vitamins.
Kids: We have huge success getting our kids to try new veggies when they are sandwiched between tortillas with cheese. <<perhaps this is genetic>> But, try making them their own quesadilla with fewer veggies that you've make yourself. And, if you have a veggie-averse kiddo, chop them a little smaller and spread evenly throughout.