I’ve been shopping at Trader Joe’s since my collage days. And not to date myself, but it’s been a good 15 years since discovering this gem of a market during my days in San Francisco. It was perfect for being a college kid. Reasonably priced food, lots of unique already made items, and two buck Chuck. Don’t come at me for that one. I already said this was like 15 years ago. What’s a broke collage kid to do. Trader Joe’s was a goldmine. Well it still is.
As I got older, I started to steer away from packaged goods. I love fresh food and I love to cook from scratch. But then I continued to age, and with growing up comes new responsibilities and what seems like a lot less free time. I think tossing a new baby into the mix really limits the amount of free time. So here I am, with a new appreciation for some of their packaged goods. Plus if you are going to go the packaged route, Trader Joe’s definitely has some of the more healthy options.
Since becoming a mom, easy, simple recipes are of the utmost importance when I’m planning out our meals for the week. If I can toss a few already prepared items together and make it a healthy meal, I’m all for it. Some nights we can slow it down and cook all from scratch. But like I said, being able to toss some items together that are already made can be a real time saver.
This is a new feature for the blog, but once a week (which is the aim) I will share a recipe featuring a few Trader Joe’s goods and how to make a full meal from them. I’m using things I pick up from TJ’s but substitutes can be found at other stores as well I’m sure.
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 1 package peeled, cut butternut squash from TJ's
- 1 can black beans, drained from TJ's
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 lime
- 3 flour tortillas TJ's
- shredded cheese as much or little as wanted per quesadilla, from TJ's
- pico de gallo optional, from TJ's
- guacamole optional, from TJ's
Instructions
- Steam the bag of TJ's butternut squash. Mash with a fork when tender. Add cumin, chili powder, and a little salt and pepper
- Pour the beans in bowl and stir in taco seasoning with a little pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the juice from 1 lime.
- Take 1 flour tortilla. On half, spread a 1/3 of the butternut squash, 1/3 of the beans, and as much cheese as you want on top. Place in a heated, greased pan. Fold the plain half over. Cook for a few minutes then gently flip. Repeat for 2 more quesadillas
- I like to top mine with some pico de gallo and avocado. Both pre made from Trader Joe's., but any other would work too.
These can easily be made vegan too, just scratch the cheese.
Looking for more simple recipes?
Here’s another (Trader Joe’s) five ingredient quesadilla, a VEGGIE QUESADILLA
An easy VEGGIE BOWL, one of my go-to recipes for a quick and healthy meal.
A GREEN VEGGIE PESTO PASTA. All the greens, quick and easy. Also super filling
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