Here are those handy refried beans again, in a different guise. They help hold this tortilla specialty together.

　　

Ingredients

4 servings

　　1/2 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

　　1 cup cooked fresh corn kernels (from 1 to 2 medium ears) or frozen corn, thawed

　　1 cup (half of a 16-ounce can) spicy fat-free refried beans (see note)

　　4 soft taco-size (8- to 10-inch) flour tortillas

　　1 cup grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or cheddar- or Jack-style soy cheese

　　

Step 1

Combine 1/4 cup water and the bell pepper strips in a large saucepan and steam, covered, for 2 minutes, then add the corn kernels and refried beans. Cook gently until everything is heated through.

　　

Step 2

To make quesadillas preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the bean mixture on the entire surface of 2 tortillas. Sprinkle with the cheese, and cover with the remaining tortillas. Arrange the quesadillas on a nonstick baking sheet and bake until the tortillas become lightly golden and crisp on the outside, 12 to 15 minutes; or grill them on a nonstick griddle on both sides until golden. Cut each quesadilla into 4 equal wedges, allowing 2 wedges per serving, and eat out of hand.

　　

Step 3

To make soft tacos, spread some of the filling on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese. Arrange on individual plates. Heat each serving briefly in the microwave (about 1 minute) or preheated 400°F oven (about 3 minutes) to melt the cheese, then fold over. Eat at once with a knife and fork or cut into 2 wedges and eat out of hand.

　　

Menu

Step 4

Refried Bean and Corn Quesadillas or Soft Tacos (this page)

　　

Step 5

Mixed Greens with Oranges and Almonds (page 52)

　　

Step 6

Sliced tomatoes

　　

Step 7

Baked or microwaved sweet potatoes

　　

nutrition information

Step 8

Calories: 338

　　

Step 9

Total Fat: 12g

　　

Step 10

Protein: 15g

　　

Step 11

Carbohydrate: 40g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 30mg

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 382mg

　　Cooks' Note

　　Use the leftover beans as a dip, to make “Chili Dogs” (page 148);

　　or freeze to use at a later time.

　　The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet