Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

I am often asked how we handle dinner in our house with me being a vegetarian and my husband not. For the most, we primarily eat vegetarian meals that my husband enjoys. (He likes to get meat when we go out for dinner.) Other times we'll cook something on the side for him. It's not that hard with a little planning. For example, if I'm making spaghetti, I'll saute mushrooms for myself, and cook up a sausage for him. Another easy fix are enchiladas. One pan with sweet potatoes, the other with chicken. This recipe is a modification of my chicken enchiladas, and is a result of splitting many ingredients in half. 

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
makes 4 - double for a full batch

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. taco seasoning
1/2 of a 14 oz. can black beans
1/2 of a 4 oz. can diced green chilis
1-10 oz. can red enchilada sauce
4 whole wheat tortillas
4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1. Preheat over to 400 °F. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and taco seasoning to coat. Place on a sheet pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring once.
2. Meanwhile, combine black beans, green chilis, 1-2 Tbsp. sauce and 2 Tbsp. cheese in a large bowl.
3. Add the roasted potatoes to the black bean mixture and stir to combine. Divide filling among tortillas, roll, and place in a 9 x 9 baking dish. Top with desired amount of sauce, and remaining cheese.
4. Reduce heat to 350 °F and bake 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Greek Quinoa Salad

Dan and I spent our Labor Day weekend at a camp in "Up North," Michigan. Despite the rain, we had a fantastic time with extended family and friends. One of the highlights for me was falling asleep in our cold cabin next to the warm glow and crackling of the fire in our fireplace. For a moment each night, I couldn't help but think of Little House on the Prairie.
Being on a particular diet, the thought of going to a camp where I have no idea what type of food we'll be served is a bit unsettling. I figured there would be salads, potatoes, and some fruits and veggies, but to make sure that I had some good vegetarian protein, I made this salad to take along. It worked out great since there was no cooking or heating necessary. Just pulled the container out of the fridge. I didn't really do any careful measuring so the amounts of vegetables and cheese are approximate. Use more or less as desired.
On a side note, I'm taking another evening class this Fall that meets twice a week, so I planning to make many more main-dish salads like this one that can be eaten on the go.

Greek Quinoa Salad
Salad:
3/4 c. quinoa, rinsed
1 1/2 c. chopped, seedless cucumber
1 c. seeded, chopped tomato
3/4 c. canned chickpeas, rinsed
1/2 c. chopped, blanched zucchini
3 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
1/4 c. diced red (or green) pepper
1/4 c. crumbled feta cheese
Dressing:
3 Tbsp. olive oil
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 clove garlic, pressed
salt & pepper

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and place in fridge to cool. Meanwhile, chop vegetables and set aside.
2. Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to incorporate.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, vegetables, feta, and dressing. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.