Black Bean & Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Yesterday was my last CSA pickup and while I am quite sad to see the season end, I left with three huge bags of goodies that should keep me busy for a few weeks. I have a few unusual vegetables to get creative with—celeriac and parsnips, some of the usual fall suspects—Chinese cabbage and greens, and a butternut squash that doesn’t stand a chance to make it through the weekend.

But this week, I am on a sweet potato kick. They pair so nicely with both the sweet and savory, which provides a wealth of possibilities. This recipe I had made over a year ago and it just stuck in my mind. With the amount of recipes I go through, and the amount of blogs, books and magazines I constantly draw inspiration from, that says something.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Quesadillas
adapted from Vegan Planet . serves 4

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
2 T olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 small jalapenos, finely chopped
14-oz can diced tomatoes
15.5-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
juice of 1 lime
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 large handful fresh cilantro, leaves chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 c crumbled feta cheese (optional)8 whole-wheat tortillas
1 c salsa

Preheat oven to 400F. On a baking sheet, arrange sweet potato cubes in a single layer. Bake 20 minutes, until tender. Remove from oven and set aside, leaving oven on. In a large pan, heat olive oil, over medium heat, and add garlic and jalapenos. Sauté 3-5 minutes, until garlic just begins to brown. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, lime juice, salt, pepper and cilantro. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well heated. Turn off heat, stir in red onion, feta (if using) and sweet potato. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Arrange four tortillas on a baking sheet. Transfer to oven, and bake 2 minutes. Remove from oven, and top each tortilla with sweet potato mixture and an additional tortilla. Transfer to oven, and cook 6 minutes, until tortillas are golden brown. To serve, cut each tortilla into quarters and top with salsa.