Five-Minute Fajitas

Originally posted by Modern Day Ma on September 4, 2015 

Those of you with little people home during the lunch hour know that it can be hard to balance the desire for cheese quesadillas (or other kid fare) with the want of a salad or something a little more grown up.

Fajitas are a quick adult lunch (or dinner!) concocted from humble quesadilla beginnings.  No matter where you are geographically, peppers should be abundant this time of the year.  So, go grab some and dress up your next lunch!  Maybe the kiddos will even try a bite of the veggies!

Don’t be frightened off by the smoked paprika.  It’s neither spicy nor strange.  It is probably my favorite spice after salt, pepper and garlic.  It lends a smoky flavor even in small amounts.  I love to add it to rubs, marinades, soups, and all my southwestern dishes.  It really is key to the deep flavor here.

Cutting down on carbs?  No problem!  I often eat this same fajita mix over two scrambled eggs, for a protein packed southwestern lunch or dinner.

Five Minute Fajitas
makes enough filling for 4 tortillas or  2 large scrambles

• 1 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, any color, cut into strips
• 1 can black beans (or other protein: a handful of shredded cooked chicken, a few strips of cooked steak.)
• 1/4 tsp granular garlic (or garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• dash cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 Tbsp good quality olive oil
• 4 whole-wheat or other variety tortillas (or a couple of scrambled eggs)
• 4 slices cheddar cheese  (or jack or pepper jack)
• Optional extras for topping: salsa, sour cream, avocado, sliced black olives

Directions:

Heat a sauté pan on medium for half a minute and then add a little avocado or olive oil.  Add your sliced onions and sauté 3 minutes until starting to brown.  Add peppers and sauté 1 more minute.  Add all spices and allow to toast for 30 seconds while stirring.  Add lime juice, olive oil, and beans or other protein.  Stir around until everything is coated nicely.

Gently melt a slice of cheese on each tortilla in the microwave.  If using eggs, grate the cheese and add it at the end with the other toppings.  Top each tortilla with a scoop of fajita filling and any additional toppings.  Enjoy!

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