Quesadillas · Chicken and Black Bean
Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
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Before you start
Gather your ingredients
Swaps for ground cumin
Instead of cumin
- Ground coriander: The same amount. Brighter and citrusy, less earthy.
- Chili powder: Twice as much. Contains cumin, plus chile heat and garlic.
- Caraway seeds, ground: Half as much. A related flavor, a bit sharper.
Swaps for chili powder
Instead of chili powder
- Homemade blend: For 1 tbsp: 1½ tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp dried oregano, a pinch of cayenne. Close; adjust the cayenne for heat.
- Ancho chile powder: The same amount, plus a pinch of cumin. Smokier and fruitier, mild heat.
Swaps for kosher salt
Instead of salt
- Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
- Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.
Swaps for cilantro
Instead of cilantro
- Dried cilantro: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Dried cilantro has almost no flavor; skip it as a garnish and add more of the other seasonings.
- Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest: The same amount of parsley, plus a little lime zest. Fresh and green, without the soapy taste some people get from cilantro.
- Thai basil or mint: Half as much. Sweeter and more perfumed.
Step 1 of 9
Stir the chicken, black beans, corn (if using), cumin, chili powder and salt together in a bowl.
Step 2 of 9
Heat the oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep finished quesadillas warm.
200°F
Step 3 of 9
Lay a tortilla flat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese over half of it.
Step 4 of 9
Spoon a quarter of the chicken mixture over the cheese, then add another 1/4 cup cheese and some cilantro on top.
Step 5 of 9
Fold the empty half over and press it down gently. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
Step 6 of 9
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 quesadillas at a time until golden on the bottom.
Step 7 of 9
Flip and cook until golden, the filling is hot and the cheese has melted.
Step 8 of 9
Keep them warm in the oven while you cook the second batch.
Step 9 of 9
Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.
All done
Enjoy!
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