Jan 5th - BlackBean Quesadillas and Parsnip Soup

I wasn't originally going to post this one because it was a leftover night. I had to decide which I was going to 'give up' given my workload. Parsnip soup was a re-run from NYE. Very tasty rerun though. One thing I did though was add a 2inch squeeze of Wasabi paste from a tube. I think it was about 1/2 T. The dried stuff D had was old and had a slightly odd aftertaste. The fresh stuff got rid of that. I don't know why we keep that tub kicking around. D bought years ago in San Fransico at Trader Joe's. I'm going to toss it and see if he notices.

There were two portions left so I just put the whole pot on the stove. Otherwise you can ladel a bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
http://365vancouvereats.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-years-eve-dinner-2009.html

The other half of our quick meal was Quesadillas. It was the other reason for not wanting to post because, quesadilla pictures are lame. I should really take them as we construct them but I never remember.

BlackBean Quesadillas

Tonight was simple:

1 tin Blackbeans drained and shook dry
2 c shredded cheddar (yes cheddar not mozzarella though I do alternate)
1 chili chopped
1/2 white onion sliced thin
2 roma tomatoes halved and sliced
1-2T chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
whole wheat soft tortillas /wraps

1 jar of fresh salsa on the side.

Depending on how quick you are, you can build in the pan or on a plate and then slide in.

Put a large, non stick pan on medium heat.

Place the whole tortilla on a plate
Sprinkle cheese....it's your glue
Chilis
Onions
Tomatoes
A little more cheese
Black beans
Parsley
Top with cheese

Slide the tortilla carefully into the pan. No oil needed.
Cover with another tortilla.
Let sit about 5 minutes until the bottom browns slightly and the cheese melts.
Next step is a tricky one and depends on the structure of your pan and your dexterity :-)
If your pan has sloped edges you can slide it out onto a plate and turn. Mine is square and great for this quesadillas. Truthfully, it's why I bought it. (I may post a photo)
This is what I do:
I place a dinner plate right on top of the quesadilla in the pan. I lift the pan and turn it over while holding onto the plate like a waiter. You should now see the underside. Slide that back into the pan. I suppose you could try a slide, then turn. Either way, cook for another 5 minutes.

Plate and slice with a pizza cutter. I've seen people use clean food only kitchen scissors.

Top with Salsa or Guacamole. I had bought an avocado at Apple Hill on the way home but it was all brown on the inside. Sadness.