Black Bean Tortilla Bake. New Music From Noah Gundersen.

Here’s a look at what I’ve recently seen through my lens.

Feels like years ago already, but I had a lovely, quick getaway to The Bahamas late in October.

Back home.

This hearty, vegetable packed Black Bean Tortilla Bake is perfect for easy weeknight dining. It’s great for entertaining, too, since you can make it up to one day ahead.

Black Bean Tortilla Bake

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (10 oz) can tomatoes with green chiles, such as Ro-Tel
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon cumin powder
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
4 cups cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, shredded
Sour cream, taco sauce, chopped cilantro, to serve

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.

2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, garlic, onion and jalapeño. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Add both types of tomatoes, black beans, and cumin. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly reduced, about 8 minutes.

3, Spread about 2 cups of the bean mixture in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Place 2 tortillas on top, overlapping them. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Spoon half of remaining bean mixture over the cheese, top with 2 tortillas and 1 1/2 cups cheese. Repeat with the remaining bean mixture, tortillas and cheese. Cover dish with foil.

4. Bake for 35 minutes or until warmed through and cheese has melted. Serve slices of the bake with sour cream, taco sauce and chopped cilantro if you like.

Note: To make ahead, cover the unbaked tortilla bake with foil and refrigerate for up to one day. Baking time, straight from the fridge, is about 50 minutes.

Serves 8 to 10

Recipe from What Can I Bring? Cookbook by Anne Byrn

Seattle-based Noah Gundersen’s second album ‘Carry The Ghost’ was released this past August. It’s packed with thoughtful, soul bearing songs like “Slow Dancer”.