Move over peanut butter and jelly! There’s a new match made in heaven in town and that’s kimchi and cheese! These kimchi quesidillas are spicy, sweet and vinegary and full of melted gooey cheese. They’re also filled with some mashed cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
I had a fiery hot and cheesy instant ramen noodle a few days ago and thought my new mantra should be cheese and spice makes everything nice! As I thought of what to make for lunch today, I saw a package of flour tortillas and a tub of kimchi sitting in my fridge. I felt I had a light bulb moment when I decided to make kimchi quesidillas.
Next, I was curious to see how original my idea was so I googled it. Turns out people have been making these for years. I thought I must have been living in a cave! I have to make my own today!
I decided to put my own healthy spin on it and add some mashed cannellini beans to boost the protein and fiber. Also, the kimchi I had was not very spicy so I added jalapenos for an extra spicy kick. Next, I thought I couldn’t eat a quesidilla without making a creamy guacamole. With the extra fruit and vegetables, it would make a more balanced meal.
Wow, have I been missing out. Kimchi and cheese, you are my new peanut butter and jelly. These flavours are just meant to be. You get spicy, sour, sweet, salty and umami all in one bite.
Not only are these quesidillas delicious, they’re also full of ingredients that serve up a ton of health benefits.
Health benefits of kimchi
Rich in probiotics for promoting healthy bacteria in the stomach
May have an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut
Aids in digestion
Vitamin A for heart health and vitamin C for immune health
Low calorie, low fat food
Health benefits of cannellini beans:
Just 1/2 cup has 8g of protein, 4g of fiber and little to no fat
Contains calcium, iron, magnesium, folate
May help control blood sugar levels
If you love kimchi, give this recipe for kimchi fried rice a try too!
Kimchi Quesidillas
Move over peanut butter and jelly! There’s a new match made in heaven in town and that’s kimchi and cheese! These kimchi quesidillas are spicy, sweet and vinegary and full of melted gooey cheese. They’re also filled with some mashed cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
1/2cupmashed cannellini beans with 1 tablespoon of kimchi juice from the jar
1green jalapenoseeds removed and finely diced (optional, add it if you like a little spice!)
3cupsof shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
Instructions
In a frying pan, sauté kimchi in 1/2 tablespoon of butter and set aside.
Wash and dry the pan. Lay 1 piece of tortilla on the pan, followed by 1/2 of the following ingredients: cheese, kimchi, jalapeno and mashed cannellini beans. Top with 1 flour tortilla.
On medium heat, cook the quesidilla until slightly brown. Then flip and cook the other side until slightly brown.
