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Refried Bean and Corn Quesadillas or Soft Tacos

Here are those handy refried beans again, in a different guise. They help hold this tortilla specialty together.

Cooks' Note

Use the leftover beans as a dip, to make “Chili Dogs” (page 148);
or freeze to use at a later time.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup cooked fresh corn kernels (from 1 to 2 medium ears) or frozen corn, thawed
1 cup (half of a 16-ounce can) spicy fat-free refried beans (see note)
4 soft taco-size (8- to 10-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or cheddar- or Jack-style soy cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine 1/4 cup water and the bell pepper strips in a large saucepan and steam, covered, for 2 minutes, then add the corn kernels and refried beans. Cook gently until everything is heated through.

    Step 2

    To make quesadillas preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the bean mixture on the entire surface of 2 tortillas. Sprinkle with the cheese, and cover with the remaining tortillas. Arrange the quesadillas on a nonstick baking sheet and bake until the tortillas become lightly golden and crisp on the outside, 12 to 15 minutes; or grill them on a nonstick griddle on both sides until golden. Cut each quesadilla into 4 equal wedges, allowing 2 wedges per serving, and eat out of hand.

    Step 3

    To make soft tacos, spread some of the filling on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese. Arrange on individual plates. Heat each serving briefly in the microwave (about 1 minute) or preheated 400°F oven (about 3 minutes) to melt the cheese, then fold over. Eat at once with a knife and fork or cut into 2 wedges and eat out of hand.

  2. Menu

    Step 4

    Refried Bean and Corn Quesadillas or Soft Tacos (this page)

    Step 5

    Mixed Greens with Oranges and Almonds (page 52)

    Step 6

    Sliced tomatoes

    Step 7

    Baked or microwaved sweet potatoes

  3. nutrition information

    Step 8

    Calories: 338

    Step 9

    Total Fat: 12g

    Step 10

    Protein: 15g

    Step 11

    Carbohydrate: 40g

    Step 12

    Cholesterol: 30mg

    Step 13

    Sodium: 382mg

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