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Save the Planet with this Cheesy Pumpkin and Bean Tortillas Recipe

Wendy Schollum

Save the planet AND enjoy a tasty meal with these easy-to-make, meat-free tortillas…

Did you know that you can save our environment through your food choices? Producing meat uses a lot of water (something that is increasingly identified as being scarce) and can have long-standing negative impacts on our environment. Having just one meat-free meal with your family every week is the equivalent of taking your family car off the road for five weeks!.. PLUS it’s a great way to try out some of the amazing vegetables we grow right here in Aotearoa.

So why not try having a Meat-free Monday in your household?

What you need:

  • 800g butternut pumpkin

  • 1 red capsicum

  • 1 yellow capsicum

  • Olive oil spray

  • 400g can mild (or hot, if you like spicey food) chilli beans

  • 250g cream cheese (or cottage cheese, for a low-fat option)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

  • 10 tortillas

  • 400g can of chopped tomatoes

  • 1/3 cup grated cheese

REMEMBER...
 Always ask permission from a grown-up before using an oven, or getting to work in the kitchen.

What to do:

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C.

  2. Ask an adult to help you peel and cut your pumpkin into approximately 1cm cubes.

  3. Ask an adult to help you cut your capsicum into approximately 1cm cubes.

  4. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

  5. Place the pumpkin and capsicum on the baking tray and spray with oil.

  6. Bake the pumpkin and capsicum until tender.

  7. Transfer the baked vegetables to a bowl and mix in the beans, cream cheese and chives.

  8. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften them.

  9. Next, place the tortillas on a flat surface and spoon approximately 3-4 heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the centre of each tortilla.

  10. Roll up each tortilla and place them in a shallow baking dish.

  11. Pour tomatoes over the tortillas and top with the cheeses.

  12. Bake for 6 - 10 minutes, or until heated through.

  13. Serve immediately and don’t forget to wash out and recycle all the food packaging that you need to dispose of after cooking your meal.

Did you give it a go?

Send us a photo of your Cheesy Pumpkin Bean Tortillas and you might find your contribution featured on the Upstart website… AND win a prize!