Recipe: Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Quesadillas

POTATO AND ROASTED RED PEPPER QUESADILLAS

"The quesadillas, cut into small wedges, are tempting appetizers that would fit in well with entertaining. Cut into quarters, they make rewarding snacks and are a great comfort food. They can be made ahead of time and reheated, or assembled in advance and baked when needed."

2 medium potatoes
1 medium red bell pepper
1 large jalapeno chile
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbs. lime juice or red wine vinegar
1 tbs. minced cilantro
1/2 cup cubed sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 (6-inch) flour tortillas

Boil or steam the potatoes 35 minutes or until tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and cut them into eighths.

Cut the bell and chile peppers in half vertically and remove the stems, seeds and membranes. Slit each end so the peppers will lie as flat as possible, then place the halves skin side up on a broiler rack and position the rack close to the broiler.

Broil the peppers until the skins are evenly charred and the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove, place the peppers in a paper bag or covered container, and seal. Set aside 15 minutes to steam and cool. (This makes the peppers easier to peel.) With a paring knife, pull off and discard the charred skin, then dice the peppers.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic and potatoes, and saute until the onions and potatoes are lightly browned.

Transfer to a bowl and mash briefly. Add the peppers, lime juice, cilantro and cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.

Place 2 tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet. Place one-half of the potato mixture on each, and with a spatula, pat firmly to within 1/2 inch of the tortilla edge. Cover each tortilla with a second one and press firmly in place.

Bake 5 minutes on each side. Cut each tortilla stack into 6 wedges and serve hot.

Makes 12 wedges, 4 to 6 servings
Source: The Potato Harvest Cookbook by Ashley Miller