Black Bean Quesadillas

I am always looking for and creating no frills meals. Because we cook so much at home, I really try to create easy, fast, and affordable meals that everyone can eat. Here's an easy and really yummy recipe for Black Bean Quesadillas that everyone will love - including your kids (at least mine did!) 

This meal is loaded with protein (quinoa, beans, wheat tortillas and cheese) and nutrients. I used goat cheese because the proteins are smaller and easier for people to digest. You could substitute the cheese for another kind if you don't like goat cheese. 

My little girl helped me stir, and then fed some to the dog. : )

Ingredients:

(when selecting ingredients, organic is always better, but not necessary - though canned organic is actually more affordable than you think): 

1 can black beans - rinsed 

1 can chopped olives - rinsed

1 c. cooked quinoa - rinsed

4-5 oz. goat cheese

6 whole wheat tortillas 

3/4 c. salsa
1/4-1/2 tsp. ground cumin (optional)

1 avocado

Organic butter or oil for pan

This recipe is so easy, it's not worth a play by play.  

Put all of the ingredients (minus the avocado) in a bowl and mix. Another tasty addition would be a can of organic corn.

Schmear on the tortillas and place another on top. 

Brown both sides in a pan coated with an organic vegetable oil or organic butter. 

Cut with a pizza roller and top with avocado and extra salsa. 

Voila! A healthy dinner for under $10! 

Happy health!

3 Step Red Lentil Stew

3 Step Organic Red Lentil Stew - 8 servings (all for under $10) What?! Yep. Bargain organic.

I know what you're thinking. Putting that orange mush on pretty china doesn't make lentils look any better. I tried. Well, lentils are just not the prettiest of foods. But they are really good and most importantly, good for you. 

This is an easy, delicious and protein packed meal courtesy of my sister in law (the same one I wrote about who just raw detoxed) 3 easy steps, organic, AND under $10? Yea it is. Convinced yet? Put this on your to-make list. 

Ingredients: 

Brown Rice (2 cups: Organic: around $2?)

2 c. Red Lentils (Organic: $3)

1 Med. Green Pepper - Chopped (Organic: $ 1.50)

1 Red Onion - Chopped ($0.83)

1 Small can of organic tomato paste (0.89)

Chopped fresh basil (grow it in the garden - or in a pot if you live in an apartment)

S & P (yea, not sure how much that is)

3 Step Directions

1. Brown red onion and green pepper in pan with olive oil. 

2. Add 2 c. red lentils and one small can organic tomato paste. 

3. Add chopped fresh basil and salt and pepper and cover with about 1 1/2 inch water and simmer stirring consistently (you may need to add a little more water if it cooks too quickly). 
You'll know when it's done by tasting the lentils - they should be soft and the water should be mostly evaporated. 

Serve over organic brown rice (Costco has best deal on organic rice). 
Optional: top with grated Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk cheese has smaller proteins than cow's milk, and if you're going to eat cheese, makes it a little better). 



Can also serve with organic grilled veggies like these.

Happy health!


P.S. Another THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Oxylent Giveaway. Kirsten was the winner - Congrats! Look for more fun giveaways soon!