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Over 40 hot lunch ideas that are warm, comforting, and nourishing including sandwiches, rice bowls, soups, pastas, stir-fries, vegetarian lunch, and more. | aheadofthyme.com

40 Hot Lunch Ideas


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  • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Over 40 hot lunch ideas that are warm, comforting, and nourishing including sandwiches, rice bowls, soups, pastas, stir-fries, vegetarian lunch, and more. One of my favorites are these Vegetarian Quesadillas.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small red oniondiced
  • 1 tablespoon garlicminced
  • 1 medium red bell pepperdiced
  • 1 small jalapeño pepperdiced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beansrinsed and drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or chili powder)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantrofinely chopped
  • 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inches in diameter)
  • 4 cups cheddar cheeseshredded

Instructions

Make the filling:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add bell pepper and jalapeño and sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add black beans and season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook until beans are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in cilantro and remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the black bean veggie filling to a bowl and set aside.

Assemble the quesadillas:

  1. Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat for 1 minute and brush with a little bit of oil.
  2. Place one tortilla in the pan. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, top with 3 tablespoons of the black bean filling, and top with another 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
  3. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over to create a half moon. Cook until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes per side.
  4. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Transfer the quesadillas onto a plate and slice into 3 triangles. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and/or salsa if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican