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Burritos!!

© Judy Howle

Whether you call them burritos or "wraps", the popular meal-in-a-tortilla has become a major food fad in the United States. In Mexico you won't find a menu item called a burrito, but you will find beans and meat served in folded corn tortillas which is actually a taco. Burritos which use flour tortillas are really Tex-Mex creations that have been enjoyed by Americans for many years and you will find them on the menu at any Tex-Mex restaurant.

Here are some burrito recipes for you to make at home. They are generally quick and easy to prepare unless you try some of the more gourmet varieties.

BEEF AND BEAN BURRITOS

• 1/2 cup red chile sauce (homemade, or use canned enchilada sauce)
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 c. chopped onions
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 can refried beans
• 8 flour tortillas
• Condiments: 1 cup shredded Jack cheese, 2 cups shredded lettuce, 1 cup sour cream

Prepare red chile sauce and guacamole. Crumble meat into large skillet; stir over hi heat until browned. Add onion. Cook till onion is tender. Drain fat. Stir in chile sauce and salt. Cover; simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors. Keep warm. Place beans in another skillet (or microwave) and heat through. Stack and wrap tortillas in paper towels and microwave 30 - 60 seconds until warm. Wrap in cloth or foil to keep warm. Serve in towel-lined basket. Serve meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole in separate dishes. To assemble burritos, place about 1/4 cup each of the meat and beans on each tortilla; top with condiments and guacamole as desired. Fold up bottom and then roll from the side and eat out of hand.

BASIC BEAN BURRITOS
Seattle Post_Intelligencer Online
MAKES 12 BURRITOS

• 1 package tortillas (12)
• 1 teaspoon virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar or jack cheese

Heat tortillas (see introduction). In a saucepan, combine oil, garlic and onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft (3-5 minutes). Add beans and 2-3 teaspoons salsa and heat through.

To serve, put 2 tablespoons beans on a warm tortilla. Add salsa, lettuce, onions and cheese to taste.

SMOKED SALMON BURRITOS
Seattle Post_Intelligencer Online
MAKES 12 BURRITOS

• 1 package corn tortillas or pesto wraps (12)
• 1 teaspoon virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• 2 cans white Italian beans or any white beans, rinsed and drained