Delicious Vegan Quesadillas Recipe for a Hearty Meal
Are you on the search for a delicious meal that is not only plant-based but also dairy-free? Well, look no further because I have the perfect recipe for you! Introducing our vegan quesadilla recipe – a mouth-watering dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always strive to create recipes that are not only healthy but also enjoyable. And this vegan quesadilla recipe is exactly that. It’s loaded with flavorful ingredients that will keep your taste buds dancing throughout the meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just someone looking to switch up their diet, this recipe is perfect for all. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to different dietary restrictions – gluten-free, dairy-free, and even nut-free options are available!
So why settle for a regular quesadilla when you could indulge in our vegan version that’s packed with plant-based goodness? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how we make magic happen in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and free of dairy, then you’re going to love this Vegan (Dairy Free) Quesadillas Recipe. It’s the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy and smoky, while still sticking to a plant-based diet.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s versatile and customizable. You can use any vegetables or beans you have on hand to create a delicious filling that meets your taste buds’ expectations. The smokiness from the roasted sweet potatoes blends perfectly with the creaminess of the hummus and the saltiness of the cashew cheese. Not a fan of hummus? No problem! Switch it out for some refried beans or vegan nacho cheese.
This recipe is also perfect for sharing with friends and family who may not be fully vegan yet. They won’t even notice that there’s no cheese in it because the flavors are so rich and satisfying.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s affordable and easy to prepare. You only need a few simple ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store, including corn tortillas, black beans, sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, hummus, and cashews. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Finally, by replacing traditional quesadillas with these vegan ones, you’ll be doing your body a favor. This recipe is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats while being low in saturated fats and cholesterol. It’s an excellent way to feed your body with essential nutrients in a delicious way.
So why not give this Vegan (Dairy Free) Quesadillas Recipe a try? You’ll love how tasty and fulfilling a plant-based diet can be!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredient list for these delicious vegan quesadillas:
For the filling:
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the cashew cheese:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours or overnight
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the rest of the quesadilla:
- 6 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- Butter or oil to add to a frying pan
These ingredients are all plant-based and dairy-free, making this meal perfect for anyone who wants a hearty and healthy meal that is also animal-product-free.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredient list for this delicious vegan quesadilla recipe, it’s time to get into the details of how to cook them to perfection. Follow along with my step-by-step guide and you’ll have cheesy and flavorful vegan quesadillas in no time!
Step 1: Cook the sweet potatoes and black beans
First, we need to cook the sweet potato and black beans. Begin by peeling and dicing one medium sweet potato. Then, add it to a pot with 1 cup of black beans (if using canned, make sure to drain and rinse them first) and cover with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain the mixture and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the cashew cheese
While your sweet potatoes and black beans are cooking, it’s time to prepare the cashew cheese. Combine 1 ½ cups of roasted salted cashews with ½ cup of water, ¼ tsp of salt, and juice of one lemon in a blender. Blend on high until you get a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the quesadillas
With all of your ingredients prepped, it’s time to start assembling your vegan quesadillas! Begin by heating up some corn tortillas on a skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated through, add a thin layer of hummus or vegan nacho cheese on top. Then, add a spoonful of your sweet potato-black bean mixture on half of the tortilla followed by some diced bell pepper and onion.
Step 4: Add cashew cheese
Now it’s time for my favorite step – adding the delicious cashew cheese! Spoon a generous amount onto the sweet potato-black bean mixture on each tortilla.
Step 5: Fold the tortillas
Fold the tortillas in half so that they form a semi-circle. Let them cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. Repeat this process with each quesadillauntil all of your ingredients have been used up.
Note: If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can also sprinkle some smoked paprika on top before folding them.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Once your vegan quesadillas are done cooking, it’s time to garnish them with some fresh cilantro or scallions and serve them to your eager guests. These quesadillas are so hearty and tasty, you can enjoy tgem on their own as a meal, or pair them with a side of salsa, guacamole or hot sauce for dipping.
Make extra if you’re serving guests because these vegan quesadillas are sure to go fast!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to spice things up in the kitchen and give this vegan quesadilla recipe your own unique spin? The possibilities are endless when it comes to substitutions and delicious variations that can make this recipe truly your own.
For starters, if you prefer a thinner tortilla, you can swap out the traditional corn tortilla for a flour tortilla instead. Don’t have black beans on hand? Opt for another type of bean or even lentils. Experiment with different veggie combinations as well: try adding zucchini or yellow squash, eggplant, or even mushrooms for an earthy flavor burst.
If you’re looking to add some extra creaminess to the dish beyond the dairy-free cheese recipe ingredients included in this vegan quesadilla recipe, you can opt for a hummus quesadilla or loaded avocado quesadillas. For those who love smoky flavors, try giving these quesadillas a little extra kick with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
And let’s not forget about dessert– why not try making s’mores quesadillas using vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate or hazelnut spread?
Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to classic chicken quesadillas or simply want to jazz up this plant-based dish with some unique ingredients, the options for creative substitutions and variations are truly endless.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made a batch of these heavenly vegan quesadillas, the question is: what to serve them with? These quesadillas are a satisfying meal all on their own, but here are some suggestions for sides, drinks, and dessert.
For a light side dish, try serving these vegan quesadillas with a simple salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette. A bowl of fresh fruit would also make a refreshing accompaniment.
If you’re looking for something more filling, refried beans or black beans with avocado and lime juice will complement the dish well. You could also add a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cheese on top of your quesadilla for an extra flavor boost.
For drinks, pair these cheesy quesadillas with margaritas or mimosas, or simply go for ice-cold lemonade or iced tea.
And finally, for dessert, indulge in some s’mores or vegan churros for a blissful treat. These indulgent desserts will help satisfy your sugar craving after enjoying such a savory meal.
While traditional quesadillas might typically be served with salsa on the side, this recipe is bursting with so much flavor that it’s not necessary. However, feel free to add your favorite dipping sauce if you please.
Whether served as a light lunch or dinner option or as part of your cocktail party menu, these vegan quesadillas are sure to become a staple in your list of plant-based recipes.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made these delicious vegan quesadillas, you might want to know how to store and reheat them. The good news is that these quesadillas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch or dinner.
To store the quesadillas, wrap them in aluminum foil or an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a pan on the stove over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
If you want to freeze the quesadillas for later use, stack them with parchment paper between each quesadilla and then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat frozen quesadillas, preheat your oven to 375°F and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
When it comes to meal prep, these vegan quesadillas are a great option because they are filling, nutritious, and easy to make. You can make a large batch on Sunday night and have a healthy lunch or dinner option throughout the week. Plus, they’re great for on-the-go eating!
In conclusion, storing and reheating these vegan quesadillas is quick and easy! They’ll stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator or up to one month in the freezer. Simply reheat them in the oven or on the stove when you’re ready to eat, and enjoy your delicious, plant-based meal!
Tips for Perfect Results
You’re almost there! Before you start cooking, let me share some tips that will help you make the perfect vegan quesadillas.
First and foremost, choose high-quality ingredients. Pick fresh vegetables and buy organic when possible. Also, make sure your corn tortillas are pliable and not dry. Dry tortillas can break apart and ruin your quesadilla.
Another crucial tip is to prepare all your ingredients before heating up the pan. Assemble your filling, dice the onions and bell pepper, and shred the cheese if you have opted for a dairy-free version. This way, everything will be ready to go when it’s time to cook.
When heating up the tortillas, make sure not to overcook them. Place them on a hot, dry skillet for 10-15 seconds on each side until they are slightly charred but still soft. Overcooking them can make them hard and difficult to roll without them cracking.
If you’re using a skillet with butter or oil, make sure it doesn’t burn. Burned butter or oil can result in not just an off taste but also harmful impacts on health.
Lastly, give different fillings a try! You can switch out veggies or proteins depending on what you have in your fridge. For example, try adding roasted sweet potatoes or black beans to switch up the flavors.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make vegan quesadillas!
FAQ
As a food blogger and nutritionist, I understand how important it is to answer the most common questions that may arise when cooking a new recipe. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with more information about this vegan quesadilla recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions or in need of tips for perfect results, keep reading as I address these FAQs and hopefully leave you feeling more confident in the kitchen.
What can you substitute for cheese in quesadillas?
In traditional quesadilla recipes, cheese and meat are the star ingredients. However, this recipe takes a different approach by substituting refried beans for meat and using avocado in place of cheese to make a mouthwatering and dairy-free quesadilla.
Is there such thing as a quesadilla without cheese?
It’s worth noting that in Oaxaca, if you order a quesadilla without cheese, it is commonly referred to as an ’empanada’ instead of its typical association with a folded tortilla dish filled with melted cheese. This may come as a surprise to those who are accustomed to enjoying baked or fried hand pies with various fillings.
What can I use instead of butter for quesadillas?
When making quesadillas and you’re out of butter, using cooking spray as a substitute is a viable option. Although it won’t provide identical results, it won’t significantly impact the overall flavor of your dish.
Can a quesadilla be a quesadilla without cheese?
According to Marta MartÃnez, a skilled cook, quesadilla enthusiasts often enjoy a variety of fillings such as squash blossoms, mushrooms, and sliced peppers- cheese being the last ingredient on their minds. MartÃnez mentioned that customers typically have their preferences, but it is not uncommon for them to order cheese-less quesadillas.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan (dairy-free) quesadilla recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal. Not only is it free of dairy and gluten, but it’s also packed with flavor and protein from the sweet potato black bean filling. The addition of cashew cheese or hummus makes it even more decadent and satisfying.
Whether you’re a plant-based eater or just looking for a healthier version of your favorite comfort food, these vegan quesadillas are sure to impress. So next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy, savory, and satisfying, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Vegan (Dairy Free) Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 (8 ounce) package cheese (Daiya cheese works best)
- 1 stick Earth Balance natural buttery spread
- 1 dash salt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat skillet, medium setting.
- Spread butter onto both sides of each corn tortilla.
- Place one corn tortilla onto skillet.
- Add 1/4 cup cheese, or less if desired.
- Place another tortilla on top.
- Heat through until tortilla underneath is lightly browned.
- Flip and brown the other side.
- Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with salt if desired.
- Repeat steps.