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!

Arugula & Basil Whole Wheat Pasta Deliciousness

I was so very happy eating this meal. I think you will be too. It's very simple, and remarkably delicious.

There are a lot of great flavors going on in this dish. It's vegetarian - you can make it vegan (omit the cheese) or gluten free (substitute whole wheat pasta for rice pasta or spaghetti squash). If you haven't noticed, I post really easy recipes. I like to cook, but try to keep it simple in the kitchen. This way, we can eat healthy, and not go crazy with prep time.

This meal has lots of green veggies in it - full of antioxidants and vitamins. Eating green veggies has been linked to better respiration, better mental clarity and better energy. Whenever I can make a recipe that tastes good with leafy greens, I do it.

Grocery List: 

• Whole wheat pasta
• Arugula 
• A high quality cheese - try Italian Pecorino Romano Cheese - it's made with Sheep's Milk in Italy. It was very tasty (though a bit salty). 
• Tomato Sauce with fresh basil leaves (basil is super easy to grow in a garden, or even in a pot if you don't have a garden - fresh makes all the difference compared to dry basil.  (if you can make homemade sauce - it really enhances the flavor. It's really easy. If you need a quick tomato sauce recipe, email me - theplantbasedhealthcoach@gmail.com. Otherwise use your favorite jarred sauce)

Make a big pot of sauce, and then add cooked whole wheat pasta to it, and serve over a big plate of arugula. Grate a little cheese on top. If you use a strong, high quality cheese, you won't need a lot to get a lot of great flavor. Unless you're like me and love cheese, then grate a little more:). It's an indulgence, so enjoy it when you choose to eat it.

Happy health!