Filled with corn, black beans, and cheese, these quesadillas make a hearty lunch or supper. Serve them with your favorite salsa.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
• 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups drained and rinsed canned black beans (one 15-ounce can)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
• 8 large (burrito-size) flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently toss together the corn, zucchini, cilantro, jalapeno, beans, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir in the cheese.

2. Heat the oven to 200º. Set the tortillas on a work surface. Put about 1/3 cup or more of the filling on half of each tortilla, spreading it to the edge and then folding the other half over it.

3. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add 2 of the quesadillas to the pan and cook them for about 2 minutes per side, until the cheese melts. Transfer them to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven while you cook the remaining quesadillas, adding a bit more oil to the pan for each batch. Cut the quesadillas into wedges. Serves 4 to 6.

Tips:

Choose ears of corn with bright green husks that are tightly closed. The ends of the corn silk should be golden brown, not pale -- an indication that the corn was picked too early.

To easily remove corn silk from the kernels, hold the ear in one hand and rub downward with a wet paper towel.

To remove corn kernels for a salad or salsa, stand an uncooked ear in a shallow bowl and use a sharp, thin-bladed knife. For chowder, add another step: reverse the knife and run the dull side down the ear to press out the rest of the corn and its milk.

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Find more about:

• Black Beans |
• Corn |
• Entrees |
• Jalapeno Pepper |
• Mexican |
• Monterey Jack Cheese |
• Quick Meals |
• Summer |
• Vegetarian Entrees |
• Vegetarian Snacks |
• Zucchini

Related Categories:

• Summer Dinners |
• Summer Snacks & Treats |
• Quick Meals |
• Mexican Recipes