Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito

Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito Recipe - Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of brown rice and black beans with a variety of spices and seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying burrito filling.

History

The combination of brown rice and black beans has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, incorporating traditional ingredients with a few new flavors to create a unique and delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp cumin
3 cups cooked brown rice
1 can (15-16 oz or 454 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
0.5 cup chopped cilantro
0.75 cup (6 oz or 170 g) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced
0.25 cup plain low-fat yogurt
0.25 cup prepared salsa

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is tender.
Add rice and beans; cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is thoroughly heated.
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the mixture, stir well, and remove from heat.
Top each serving with 2 tbsp of cheese, 1 tbsp of green onion, and 1 tbsp of either salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Serve with a small side salad of chopped organic romaine and mixed color cherry tomatoes.

Variations

For a vegan version of this recipe, simply omit the cheese and sour cream. You can also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito is flavorful and delicious, be sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they are tender and fragrant. This will help to release their natural flavors and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, be sure to thoroughly heat the rice and beans before serving to ensure that the flavors are well blended.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito with a side salad of chopped organic romaine and mixed color cherry tomatoes for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the rice and beans helps to enhance the flavors of the dish. Be sure to cook the mixture until it is thoroughly heated to ensure that all of the ingredients are well blended.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute white rice for brown rice if desired. You can also use pinto beans or kidney beans in place of black beans for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the mixture before serving and assemble the burritos as directed.

Presentation Ideas

To make the Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito more visually appealing, top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or salsa. You can also garnish with a slice of lime for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including Mexican-style rice, guacamole, or a fresh fruit salad. You can also serve it with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the burrito filling until heated through and assemble as directed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the vegetable oil, cheese, and sour cream. While fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, it is important to consume them in moderation.

Proteins

Each serving of Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito contains approximately 15 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (from the brown rice). It may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito is a nutritious and delicious meal that is packed with essential nutrients. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare.

Summary

Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito. It was a warm summer day, and I found myself wandering through the bustling farmers market in search of some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I strolled past the various stalls, the vibrant colors and delicious aromas of the produce caught my eye, drawing me in like a magnet.

I found myself at a stall run by a friendly elderly woman who was selling a variety of organic vegetables and grains. As I perused her selection, my eyes fell upon a bag of perfectly cooked brown rice and a bowl of plump, black beans. I couldn't resist purchasing them, and as I paid for my items, the woman gave me a warm smile and said, "You know, those rice and beans would make a delicious burrito filling."

Intrigued by her suggestion, I asked her for the recipe. She chuckled and said, "Oh, I don't really have a recipe. I just throw together whatever I have on hand. But I can give you some tips on how to make a tasty burrito filling with these ingredients."

As she shared her tips with me, I couldn't help but be inspired by her creativity and resourcefulness. She told me to sauté some onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant. Then, she advised me to add the cooked rice and beans, along with some spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, to the skillet and mix everything together until it was well combined.

She then suggested adding some chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors. Finally, she recommended spooning the filling into a warm tortilla, topping it with some shredded cheese and avocado slices, and rolling it up into a delicious burrito.

I thanked the woman for her guidance and headed home with a newfound excitement to try out this recipe. As I stood in my kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring the fragrant spices in the skillet, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

I thought back to my own grandmother, who had taught me the art of cooking when I was just a young girl. She had instilled in me a love for creating delicious meals from scratch and had passed down her own recipes and techniques over the years.

I remembered the hours we had spent together in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting our way through various dishes. She had always encouraged me to experiment and try new things, just like the elderly woman at the farmers market had done.

As I took my first bite of the Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito that I had created, I smiled to myself, knowing that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire. The flavors were bold and comforting, with a perfect balance of spices and textures.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own family and friends, passing down the tradition of delicious, homemade meals from generation to generation. And as I savored each bite of the burrito, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the women who had inspired and guided me along my culinary journey.

In that moment, I knew that I had truly found a recipe that was not just about food, but about the love, creativity, and connection that we share with each other through the act of cooking and sharing a delicious meal. And for that, I will always be grateful.