Burrito magic

After a friend had given me lots of vegetarian dry staples, like red kidney beans, I decided to make burritos. (Thanks again Tam!) So I started to soak 150 grams of red kidney beans in the fridge earlier that day. Alana also picked our glowing golden zucchini from our plant in the garden to add to the mixture. It was the most fabulous colour. A lot of people associated Mexican food with a lot of meaty mixture. I don't. I associate Mexican food with beans and tomatoes and other fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

1 brown onion

1 zucchini

1 capsicum

150 grams of dried red kidney beans or 1 can of kidney beans

1 can of tomatoes

1 teaspoon of cumin

1 teaspoon or more of chili powder

1 teaspoon of chili flakes - you can substitute fresh chillies here (I should have as we have a plant that Alana's friend gave us)

1 packet of tortillas - you can substitute any flat dried bread

Lettuce - I prefer cos lettuce

Grated cheese - I use a rennet free cheese

Optional ingredients

Fresh tomatoes

Corn - 1 small can or 1 stripped cob

Broccoli

Textured Vegetable Protein or T.V.P.

I started by soaking the red kidney beans 6 hours beforehand. Then cooking them for 20 minutes on the stove top. I then chopped all the fresh ingredients into small enough pieces to fit into a burrito. I then waited for the beans to cook and soften. While waiting I made myself a martini. To be in theme it should have really been a margarita. First I pan fried the onion with some chili powder and chili flakes. I then added the zucchini and capsicum and cooked for five minutes. I then added the kidney beans and re-seasoned with chili and cumin powder and cooked for a couple of minutes. Then in went the can of tomatoes and the fresh chopped tomato. Then while cooking I grated some cheese and washed and tore the lettuce. If you tear the lettuce you are not slicing through the cells and it is healthier for you. I then cheated and heated the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds per two tortillas. Adding a little cheese then placing the bean mixture on top of the tortilla, followed by some lettuce, then folding I have a lovely vegetarian burrito. Very easy meal that makes enough food for 4-6 people (using the whole list of optional ingredients). You should try it.