Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

These Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are a delicious and wholesome meal option suitable for lunch, dinner, or even a filling snack. Packed with flavors from eggplant and vegan cheese sauce, they are not only gluten-free but also grain-free and dairy-free. Perfect for any occasion, these quesadillas are quick to prepare and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 27 minutes from start to finish, these quesadillas fit perfectly into a busy schedule.
• Flavor-Packed Filling: The combination of eggplant, spinach, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and eggplant, these quesadillas are guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet: Prevents sticking during cooking, making flipping quesadillas easier.
• Spatula: Ideal for flipping the quesadilla without breaking it apart.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quicker and safer.

Ingredients

These spinach quesadillas are filled with eggplant (aubergine) and vegan cheese sauce. They are great for lunch, dinner or as a filling snack! The recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and very easy to make.

Tortillas

• 4-6 tortillas (gluten-free if needed)

Vegetables

• 1 medium-sized onion (diced)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 large eggplant (aubergine) chopped into small cubes (max. 1 inch)
• 6 oz spinach (fresh, roughly chopped)

Seasonings & Oils

• 1/2 tbsp oil
• 4-5 tbsp red wine (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed or coconut aminos)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Ground chipotle chili powder (to taste)
• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)

Vegan Cheese

• One batch of vegan cheese sauce (or vegan cheese of choice)

How to Make Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Gather all your ingredients and tools before you begin cooking. This will make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and fry for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Incorporate the chopped eggplant, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, red wine, and all spices into the skillet.
4. Cover with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes while stirring frequently until the eggplant is tender.

Step 3: Add Spinach

1. Once the eggplant is cooked:
   1. Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet.
   2. Stir continuously for another 30-60 seconds until wilted.
   3. Turn off the heat.

Step 4: Make Vegan Cheese Sauce

1. While your vegetable mixture cooks:
   1. Prepare a batch of vegan cheese sauce according to your favorite recipe or use store-bought vegan cheese if preferred.

Step 5: Assemble Quesadillas

1. Place one tortilla in a lightly greased pan/skillet.
2. Add some of the cooked eggplant filling followed by a layer of vegan cheese sauce on top.
3. Cover with another tortilla.

Step 6: Cook Quesadillas

1. Fry each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
2. Carefully flip using a spatula and cook on the other side until crispy.

Step 7: Serve

1. Cut each quesadilla into four pieces and serve hot! Enjoy your delicious Vegan Spinach Quesadillas!

With this easy recipe in hand, you’ll be able to whip up flavorful vegan meals in no time!

How to Serve Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

These delicious Vegan Spinach Quesadillas can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to complement their flavors.

With Fresh Salsa

• Fresh salsa is a classic pairing that adds a burst of flavor and freshness. Consider using a mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty kick.

Accompanied by Guacamole

• Creamy guacamole provides a rich texture that pairs beautifully with the quesadillas. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and diced onions for a quick dip.

Paired with Cashew Cream

• A dollop of cashew cream on top can elevate your quesadillas. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, garlic, and water for a smooth and creamy sauce.

Served Alongside a Salad

• A light salad made with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the quesadillas. Try adding sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for added crunch.

With Pickled Jalapeños

• For those who enjoy heat, pickled jalapeños are an excellent choice. Their tangy spice will add an extra layer of flavor to each bite.

Accompanied by Rice or Quinoa

• Serving the quesadillas with rice or quinoa can make for a heartier meal. Seasoned rice or herbed quinoa works well to complement the dish.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

To achieve the best results with your Vegan Spinach Quesadillas, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and eggplant will enhance both taste and texture. Avoid wilted or old produce for the best flavor.
• Heat your skillet properly – Ensure your skillet is at medium heat before adding tortillas. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Don’t overfill – Adding too much filling can make it difficult to flip the quesadilla. Aim for just enough filling to cover half of the tortilla.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference. Adding more cumin or chipotle can create a unique flavor profile.
• Let it cool slightly – Allowing the cooked quesadilla to rest for a minute before cutting helps prevent squishing out the filling.
• Customize your cheese sauce – If making your own vegan cheese sauce, try adding nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor boost.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Spinach Quesadillas enhances the meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing mix of grilled corn, mayo, lime juice, and spices gives great flavor contrast.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime zest complements the quesadillas perfectly.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Chips with Mango Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with sweet mango salsa create a delightful appetizer before diving into the quesadillas.
5. Black Bean Salad – A protein-packed salad featuring black beans, corn, avocado, and lime dressing is both healthy and satisfying.
6. Simple Cucumber Salad – Sliced cucumbers tossed in vinegar provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of savory quesadilla.
7. Avocado Tomato Salad – Combining ripe avocados with juicy tomatoes creates a creamy salad that pairs wonderfully.
8. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy chickpeas seasoned with spices offer an addictive snack alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Spinach Quesadillas, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using stale tortillas: Fresh tortillas make a huge difference in texture and taste. Always check the expiration date and opt for freshly made or stored properly tortillas.
• Overcooking the eggplant: Undercooked eggplant can be tough, while overcooked eggplant can become mushy. Cook it until tender but still holds its shape for the best results.
• Skipping the spices: Spices enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip them! Make sure to measure carefully and adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Not letting the filling cool: Adding hot filling directly onto the tortilla can cause it to become soggy. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling your quesadilla.
• Crowding the pan: Cooking too many quesadillas at once can lead to uneven cooking. Fry them in batches for crispy, golden results.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep Vegan Spinach Quesadillas in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

• Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes until warm. Note that this might make them softer.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Vegan Spinach Quesadillas that can help you with your cooking process.

Can I use frozen spinach in Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding it to your filling.

What type of vegan cheese is best for this recipe?

Any melty vegan cheese will work great! You can also try making your own vegan cheese sauce using cashews or nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Are Vegan Spinach Quesadillas gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free tortillas, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free!

How do I customize my Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also experiment with different spices or toppings!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are not only delicious but also versatile for any meal of the day. You can customize them with various fillings and spices based on what you have at home. Give this simple recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how satisfying it tastes!