Black-Eyed Pea Quesadilla (Printable)

Crispy tortillas filled with seasoned mashed black-eyed peas and gooey melted cheese, pan-fried to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 1.5 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 0.5 small onion, finely diced
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - Salt and black pepper to taste
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
09 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Assembly

10 - 8 medium 8-inch flour tortillas
11 - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil for frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
02 - Stir in black-eyed peas, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
03 - Remove from heat. Mash the mixture coarsely with a potato masher or fork, leaving some texture. Stir in fresh lime juice and cilantro.
04 - Lay out 4 tortillas. Divide mashed black-eyed pea mixture evenly among them, spreading over half of each tortilla. Sprinkle cheese over the filling. Fold each tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
05 - Heat 0.5 tablespoon butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one or two quesadillas in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding more butter or oil as needed.
06 - Slice into wedges and serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein from black-eyed peas.
  • Quick: Goes from prep to plate in just 25 minutes.
  • Family Friendly: A simple, cheesy dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
02 -
  • Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially regarding dairy and gluten.
  • If using canned peas, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained to control the sodium and moisture.
  • Cooking the quesadillas in butter adds a rich, golden crust, while neutral oil provides a lighter finish.
Go Back