CHEESE-CRUSTED FAJITA VEGGIE QUESADILLAS

Cheese-Crusted Fajita Veggie Quesadillas image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 orange bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and sliced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and sliced
1 medium white onion, sliced
1 zucchini, outer green parts only, cut into 3-by-1/4-inch sticks
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large clove garlic, grated
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
Eight to ten 5- to 6-inch white corn tortillas
One 8-ounce bag shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar mix
Lime wedges, for serving
Sour cream and salsa verde or roja, for dipping (optional)

Steps:

Heat the oil in a 12-inch cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, onion and zucchini. Season with the smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Toss to coat with the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and browning, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the garlic and oregano and stir to combine. Cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Grease the pan with the cooking spray. Carefully place a tortilla in the hot pan. Add 3 tablespoons cheese to half of the tortilla, spreading the cheese to the edges and allowing some to spill over to create a cheesy crust. Top with a hearty spoonful of the cooked pepper mixture, then top with another 3 tablespoons cheese. Fold the bare half of the tortilla over the cheese and pepper filling. Press down to flatten with a spatula. Cook until the cheese is melted and crusty and the tortilla is browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a serving platter. Season with salt and a squeeze of lime. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, peppers and cheese, wiping down the pan as needed. Serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping, if desired.