2 medium
potatoes
1 medium
red bell pepper
1 large
jalapeno chile pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable
oil
1 small
onion -- diced
2
garlic cloves -- minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced cilantro
1/2 cup
lowfat cubed sharp Cheddar cheese
salt and black pepper
4 medium
fat-free flour tortillas six-inch diameter
"These quesadillas are such irresistible morsels that you may find
yourself cooking up extra potatoes for dinner some night solely
for the purpose of making them."
The quesadillas, cut into small wedges, are tempting appetizers
that would fit in well with entertaining. "Cut into quarters, they
make rewarding snacks and are a great comfort food," Miller says.
She points out that they can be made ahead of time and reheated,
or assembled in advance and baked when needed.
Boil or steam the potatoes 35 minutes or until tender. Allow them
to cool, then peel and cut them into eighths.
Cut the bell and chile peppers in half vertically and remove the
stems, seeds and membranes. Slit each end so the peppers will lie as flat
as possible, then place the halves skin side up on a broiler rack and
position the rack close to the broiler. Broil the peppers until the
skins are evenly charred and the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove, place the peppers in a paper bag or covered container,
and seal. Set aside 15 minutes to steam and cool. (This makes the
peppers easier to peel.) With a paring knife, pull off and discard
the charred skin, then dice the peppers.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Heat the oil in a large nonstick
frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic and
potatoes, and saute until the onions and potatoes are lightly
browned. Transfer to a bowl and mash briefly. Add the peppers,
lime juice, cilantro and cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and
mix well.
Place 2 tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet. Place one-half of
the potato mixture on each, and with a spatula, pat firmly to within 1/2
inch of the tortilla edge. Cover each tortilla with a second one and
press firmly in place. Bake 5 minutes on each side. Cut each tortilla
stack into 6 wedges and serve hot.
Makes 12 wedges, 4 to 6 servings.
EACH 113 cals total, 18 calories from fat.
Note: Instead of roasting a fresh red bell pepper, you could
substitute one-half of a 7-ounce jar of roasted red peppers,
drained.