Bean burritos are the perfect meal for people on the go. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, they can be wrapped up for homemade take-out.
Those who like it spicy will enjoy the smoky chipotle seasoning, while those with milder palates will appreciate a simple mix of beans, onions and garlic. True gourmets can make their own refried beans using smoked beer to bring out the flavour of the chipotles.
Bean burritos freeze well. Why not make a double batch and take advantage of healthy, readily-available and low-cost fast food from the freezer? Or use burrito leftovers as a topping for Vegetarian Nachos. Leave out the cheese and these burritos are vegan.
Vegetarian Bean Burrito Recipe
Makes 3-4 large burritos; serves 3-4.
Total preparation plus cooking time (not including homemade refried beans): less than 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp. vegetable oil or butter
- 1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian (no lard) refried beans OR 1 ½ cups homemade vegetarian refried beans (see recipe below)
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 chipotle chili in Adobo sauce, minced (optional for those who don’t like spice)
Optional Gourmet Toppings:
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ bell pepper (any colour), chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ Tbsp. Adobo sauce from the can (this will make it very spicy)
- Taco sauce or salsa
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- 4 large flour tortillas
Directions:
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion. Stir and sauté for about five minutes. Add the bell pepper; stir and cook for another few minutes, until soft. Add more oil if needed to prevent burning.
- Add the refried beans, chipotle pepper (if using) and stir well.
- Add optional lime juice or chipotle sauce.
- Heat through for a minimum of 10 minutes, but preferably at least 20 minutes to meld the flavours. Fold in grated cheddar cheese, if using.
- Serve hot on warmed flour tortillas topped with optional sour cream, salsa, green onion and avocado.
Homemade Refried Beans Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped fine
- 2 cloves minced garlic (optional)
- 2 (14 ounce) cans cooked black beans (or substitute pinto beans or pink beans) OR two cups beans, cooked from scratch
- 1 jalapeno pepper, minced (optional for those who don’t like spice)
- ½ cup – 1 cup German smoked beer (or substitute water)
Directions:
- Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, heating until just translucent.
- Add the jalapeno pepper.
- Add the cooked drained beans (include some liquid if not using beer).
- Add enough beer to keep the beans from sticking or burning onto the pan; add more during cooking if needed.
- Allow to cook for 20 minutes or until desired flavour and texture is reached.
- Mash beans, if desired. Use for bean burritos, vegetarian nachos or in recipes calling for refried beans.
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