Burritos (Mexico)

World-Bites (18) / Burritos

Burritos are one of the most popular examples of Mexican cuisine outside of Mexico. It consists of a flour tortilla wrapped or folded around a filling. The flour tortilla is usually lightly grilled or steamed, to soften it and make it more pliable. In Mexico, refried beans, Mexican rice, or meat are usually the only fillings and the tortilla is smaller in size. In the United States, however, fillings generally include a combination of ingredients such as Mexican rice, beans, lettuce, salsa, meat, avocado, cheese, and sour cream, and the size varies, with some burritos considerably larger than their Mexican counterparts. For most Mexican food lovers burritos evoke pacifying comfort food qualities that soothe the soul. Touted for their health benefits, black bean burritos are also a good source of dietary fiber.


Ingredients:

6 large (8-or 9-inch) tortillas
1 tablespoon oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (10-ounce) can chicken breast chunks, drained
1/2 (15 1/2-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes 8 ounces shredded Jack or Cheddar cheese
Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish, optional

Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven; heat to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring until softened. Stir in chicken, breaking up meat slightly. Stir in beans, rice and tomatoes.

Unwrap warmed tortillas. Spoon about ¾ cup of the filling in the center of the tortilla, leaving an inch at either end. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheese on top, fold in 1-inch ends, then roll tortilla around filling. Place in a large shallow baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of burritos. Cover with foil and heat in oven for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and filling is hot.

For a garnish, sprinkle with cilantro and/or scallion.

Note: For extra flavor, cook rice with chicken broth instead of water; use canned tomatoes and chilies for a spicier taste. For a recipe somewhat lower in fat, use reduced-fat cheese.