A twist on the Mexican Burrito

I haven't been cooking for the past 4, 5 days and its awesome! My hand mixer broke down and so I cant bake. I am still contemplating on whether to buy another hand beater worth 13 quid, or a free standing one which is a whopping 200 quid. Ro insists i buy the latter cos then i would be a professional like Nigella Lawson...minus the boobs of course, and wouldn't have to complain about my hands hurting while whisking egg whites and while i transfer the beater from the aching hand to the other, splatter egg whites all over my kitchen top and then complain and crib about cleaning it up, which ultimately Ro gets to do. So all in all its a better bet for him, and erm,...for me too:). I took the break down as a good sign, decided to test my patience and try out this diet. The first 2 days i somehow managed and then i went and ate a doughnut...so much for my patience and yes, I do not have the will power to do anything nice like that. Restrictions don't work well with me...food or anything else..yes, I was a horrendous teenager!

Global Kadai, started by Cilantro aims at trying out recipes from around the world and incorporating an Indian twist to it. This month it is being hosted by Dil se and the theme is Indian Flavoured Burritos or Wraps . I had to take part, one because Mexican food is my fav and two, i liked the sound of that challenge :). This burrito was made a few days before i went into my illogical state and looking at it now makes me want it so bad.

Beef Burritos with refried beans and Indian spices (Makes 4)

Minced beef- 250 gms

Turmeric- 1/4 tsp

Ginger Garlic Paste- 1 tsp

Kashmiri Chilli Powder- 1/2 tsp

Coriander Powder- 1 tsp

Pepper Powder- 1/4 tsp

Cumin powder- 1/4 tsp

Meat masala- 1 tsp (optional)

Salt- to taste

Onions- 1, julienned

Green Pepper (Capsicum)- 1, roughly chopped

Tomato- 1, sliced

Refried beans- 1 tin (200gms)

Olive oil- 1 tbsp

Sour cream or yoghurt- 4 tbsp or more according to your taste

Monterey Jack Cheese or Mature Cheddar Cheese- 1/2 cup (or more)

Coriander leaves- a handful (I avoided it)

Tortillas- 4

Mix all the powders and GGP along with the mince meat and pressure cook with about 2 tbsp water for about 10 minutes after you put on the weight (approx. 3 whistles). Let off the steam, open the lid and if there is a significant amount of water, cook on high heat for a few minutes till some of the water has evaporated. You can add salt, spice etc. at this point, if its isn't enough.

In a frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the onions and green pepper till soft.

Add the cooked mince meat to this and fry for a while, say 2 to 3 minutes, just to make sure they are all mixed well.

Add the refried beans, give a final stir, switch off the burner and assemble the burrito.

Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 3 to 4 seconds and place on a cutting board.

Dab about 1 tbsp sour cream and spread it out.

Add 2 tbsps (or more, or less) of the filling (meat mix) on to the tortilla, add a few tsps of the sliced tomato, enough cheese and sprinkle some coriander leaves (if using) on top.

Wrap it up and you are good to go. If you want to know how to wrap it, here is an easy tutorial. Its not that difficult. I learned it after watching them roll it at the Tortilla Mexican Grill :)

I heat the burritos for about 8 to 10 seconds before serving because i like the cheese a bit melted.

Notes: I didn't have any lettuce, so i avoided it. It would be a perfect wrap if you add a few lettuce leaves as well.

Also rice. I am not a big fan of rice in my burrito, but you can add them too if you want.

Salsa, guacamole etc etc can be added to the burrito to make it more rich.

If you want the pepper to be crunchy then add it only towards the end, do the onions first and then add the pepper.

The refried beans need not be added to the meat mix in the frying pan. You can add a few tbsp while you assemble the burrito.

My Burritos had a very Indian flavour, especially of cumin and the meat masala. That added with the cheese and refried beans were a total hit and we thoroughly enjoyed it.