southwest egg rolls

Here is the first favorite black bean recipe. These are much like the ones on the appetizer menus at a couple of my favorite restaurants. I found a few different recipes that came close and adapted them to create this one. The number of ingredients may make these seem a little complicated but they are really fairly easy. They work well to make in bulk and freeze. From the freezer they make a quick dinner for the family or a little snack for one.

SOUTHWEST EGG ROLLS

Filling:

2 tbsp. oil

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

2 bunches green onions, finely chopped

Saute in a large frying pan until tender and then add:

4 cups, cooked chicken, chopped

2 cups corn

4 cups black beans, cooked (2 cans will work)

6-8 oz. frozen spinach. thawed and drained

2 tbsp. jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

2 tbsp. taco seasoning

Cook for a few minutes, and then add:

1 8 oz. package cream cheese

2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese

Stir until cheese is melted and remove from heat.

Cook or warm 32-36 tortillas.

Spread 1/4 cup of the filling onto each tortilla, fold in sides and roll up.

Place the rolls on a baking sheet.

If freezing, place filled baking sheet in freezer until frozen and then transfer rolls to a labeled freezer bag.

If baking immediately, spray rolls with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Slice in half and serve with dipping sauce.

To bake after frozen, place on baking sheet, spray rolls with cooking spray and bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or microwave 2-4 minutes.

Easy Dipping Sauces:

Salsa-Ranch

Mix:

1 cup ranch dressing

1/2 cup salsa

Avocado Ranch

Mix:

1 cup ranch dressing

1 avocado, peeled and crushed

TIPS:

*The green onions can be replaced with 1/2 of a regualr onion or 2 tbsp. dried onion.

*Jalapenos can be fresh or canned.

*I have also used colby jack or cheddar cheese and I like them all.

*The secret ingredient that makes these so great is fresh tortillas. I buy them at a local Sam's Club, cook them on a griddle, and then fill them while they are warm. They roll easier and have a much better texture and taste than regular tortillas.

*Spraying the rolls with cooking spray is an alternative for frying. It gives them a crisp outer shell without the mess or fat content of all the oil.