Modeled after the traditional cheese- stuffed, deep- fried green chiles that I adore so much at Mexican restaurants, this lighter, healthier version is almost as much fun to eat. I like to use a mixture of mozzarella and Spanish Manchego cheeses, but you should use what you like. Often, I’ll use soy cheese substitutes instead of real cheeses to make this a nondairy dinner that’s lower in saturated fats and easier to digest.

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Olive oil spray

　　2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

　　1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch slices

　　Sea salt

　　1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, optional

　　1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch strips

　　4 to 8 ounces mozzarella or other cheese, grated

　　One 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

　　2 green chiles, stemmed, seeded, and chopped (try Anaheim or poblano)

　　2 medium tomatoes, chopped, or one 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

　　2 or 3 fresh oregano sprigs

　　2 corn or whole wheat tortillas

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Scatter the scallions in the pot.

　　

Step 4

Spread the zucchini in a layer and season lightly with salt. Sprinkle with cilantro, if using.

　　

Step 5

Scatter in the bell pepper strips and top with half of the cheese. Cover with the pinto beans. Blanket with the green chiles.

　　

Step 6

Add the rest of the cheese and top with the tomatoes. Tuck the oregano sprigs in the crevices.

　　

Step 7

Spray each side of the tortillas with olive oil. Cut the tortillas in half and roll each half separately. Position the rolled tortilla halves on top of the other ingredients in the pot. Spray well with olive oil.

　　

Step 8

Cover and bake for about 35 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 9

Calories: 500

　　

Step 10

Protein: 30g

　　

Step 11

Carbohydrates: 66g

　　

Step 12

Fat: 19g

　　

Step 13

Cholesterol: 50mg

　　

Step 14

Sodium: 153mg

　　

Step 15

Fiber: 16g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals