Black Bean Burritos

Black Bean Burritos are a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences, making them a versatile and satisfying meal option. Originating from hot Mexican lands, where animal protein was considered a luxury, these burritos are not only delicious but also a source of complete protein, especially when using soy cheese for a vegan twist.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 4 large (12-inch) flour or whole-wheat tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese, such as a combination of Cheddar and Monterey jack or soy cheese
• 2 cups cooked brown or white rice, hot
• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans in sauce, hot, or 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, heated with some cumin and garlic
• 1/4 cup Salsa Fresca or chopped tomatoes and onions
• 1 ripe Hass avocado, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
• Tofu Sour Cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by browning the chopped onions in the oil until they become soft and fragrant. This adds a savory depth of flavor to your burrito filling.
2. To assemble the burritos, first soften a tortilla either over a gas burner or in a hot oven. Place the warmed tortilla on a clean work surface.
3. Spoon a quarter of the hot, browned onions onto the tortilla, creating a line about a third of the way up from the bottom edge.
4. Sprinkle approximately a quarter of the shredded cheese evenly over the onions. The heat from the onions and rice will help melt the cheese.
5. Ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot cooked rice onto the tortilla, ensuring it’s hot enough to melt the cheese. The layers of flavors are building up!
6. Spoon on approximately a quarter of the black beans, including some of the sauce. This adds a rich, hearty element to your burrito.
7. Top the burrito with a generous portion of Salsa Fresca or a mixture of chopped tomatoes and onions for a burst of freshness and a hint of tanginess.
8. Add slices of ripe Hass avocado for creaminess and a delightful contrast of textures.
9. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro sprigs. Cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note to the burrito.
10. If desired, you can drizzle Tofu Sour Cream over the ingredients for a creamy, dairy-free touch (see Chapter 2 for the Tofu Sour Cream recipe).
11. To fold the burrito, start by folding the edge nearest to you up to cover the fillings. Then, fold the side flaps in to seal the ingredients into a pocket. Roll the burrito away from yourself, keeping even tension and tucking with your fingers as you roll.
12. Repeat the assembly process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients, creating a total of four delicious Black Bean Burritos.

These Black Bean Burritos are a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and cultural influences. Whether you opt for the classic version with Cheddar and Monterey jack cheese or choose the vegan route with soy cheese, these burritos are a perfect example of how food can be both comforting and nutritious. Enjoy these hearty creations as a satisfying meal, and customize them to your heart’s content!