Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions - Turntable Kitchen
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Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions

Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions

On the first sunny day following my last day at my full time job, I took Neko in the car and we drove two giant bags filled with clothes to Goodwill. All of us — Neko, Matt and myself — had been sick for days, stuffy and congested. My head felt like a balloon, floating above my body and for the first time that week, my nose had cleared and our summer-like weather took over our house.

Although I have spent many days with my daughter, there was something different about having her all to myself on a Wednesday afternoon. We were a newly-formed team in some ways. I glanced back at her as we drove out toward the ocean. She held on to her stuffed animal, peering out the window. Quiet and content. It felt good to clean house. The shelves in my closet looked more organized, leaner. I made a light lunch, which I photographed just in case, spent some time organizing myself for the week, and tidied up my bedroom.

Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions

I’ve never been much of a to-do list maker, but I’m realizing to-do lists are actually useful when trying to form a new routine. A routine which involves working for myself, making my own hours, prioritizing my priorities. It’s scary and wonderful at the same time, as all great things are in life. And, eventually, it becomes not the new routine, but the routine. As this lunch has.

I’ve made it several times now, with jalapeño and without, with Monterey Jack and also with Gruyere. Sometimes, I toast the tortillas a bit too much, or let my brussels sprouts get more golden than usual. I lose track of time. Regardless, I’ve found these oversights to be forgiving. And I am thankful for that.

I should mention, this dish was yet another inspired by one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, Nopalito (more neighborhood favorites here). If you haven’t already, you must try these Totopos with Salsa de Arbol.

Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions

Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions
*serves one – two, depending on appetite

8-10 brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
1/2 jalapeño pepper, cored and seeded (optional)
4 corn tortillas
1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons of thinly sliced scallions
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
olive oil

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Thinly slice the pepper. Add the jalapeño pepper slices and brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and some salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheet and roast, tossing occasionally, until the sprouts are tender and lightly golden (about 15 – 20 minutes or so).
2. Heat about 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat and place one tortilla down on the skillet. Top with shredded cheese, roasted brussels sprouts and jalapeño pepper. Sprinkle with a bit of sliced green onions and top with second tortilla. Brush the top with some oil.
3. Use a large spatula to gently press down the quesadilla and cook for a few minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom tortilla begins to brown slightly.
4. Flip carefully and cook for another minute or two. Transfer quesadilla to a cutting board and cut into wedges using a sharp knife.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining ingredients. Serve any leftover brussels sprouts on the side. Sprinkle quesadillas with any remaining cheese and green onion slices. Serve with salsa or hot sauce, as desired.

Musical Pairings: Dum Dum Girls – Too True + Roasted Brussels Sprout Quesadillas with Monterey Jack and Scallions

Dum Dum Girls - Too True More on the Turntable.

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11 Comments

  1. Deanne Katz

    February 20, 2014

    Ahh, the joy of fresh tortillas anytime without having to bust out the tortilla press. Thanks for the suggestion of brussels sprout filling.

  2. Elizabeth

    February 20, 2014

    OK, clearly I’ve been way too out of the loop, because this job stuff is big news! Congrats on taking the leap. I so relate to those early days of establishing a new routine. For me, it’s been the opposite reason for a new routine, since my youngest just started daycare. I love this meal — so pantry-friendly too. Cheers to a very bright future. Can’t wait to see where all this takes you.

  3. Nicole

    February 20, 2014

    Oh my! You’re full-time blogging now? Congrats! I so want to make a bunch of these and eat them all. I love the addition of jalapeños, too!

  4. Kasey

    February 20, 2014

    Nope, I’m also consulting – doing content strategy, marketing + PR. And thankfully, getting to spend some more time on TK expansion 🙂

  5. Kasey

    February 20, 2014

    You’re not out of the loop – it’s a big change, but a great one. I hope you’re well Elizabeth! xo

  6. Kasey

    February 20, 2014

    Making tortillas from scratch is something I have yet to attempt…one of these days!

  7. Deanne Katz

    February 20, 2014

    It’s a fun experiment but since I live in the land of fresh tortillas (aka the Mission), I’ve only done it once. But I do bust out the tortilla press for homemade dumplings a few times a year.

  8. Stephanie

    February 21, 2014

    We have a bag of brussels spouts in our fridge and frozen farmers’ market tortillas in our freezer right now! I am totally making these. yum.

  9. Kate Ramos

    February 21, 2014

    I love the way the Brussels sprouts are peeking out of the fold in the tortilla in the photo. What a great combo!

  10. Kasey

    March 3, 2014

    Perfect!

  11. Kasey

    March 3, 2014

    Thanks, Kate!

Comments are closed.