Thursday 15 April 2010

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.

15 comments:

Tina said...

Wow..superb burrito dear...Send one parcel to me...

Miriam Korula said...

gosh nish...this looks super...divine...i wud love to have them.....not sure if i will ever end up making them...but the next time we meet please please make these for me...:)

Simplyfood said...

Nice healthy burrito.Lovely click.

Priya Suresh said...

Wow loved the way u have prepared ur burrito, looks truly prefect and delicious, btw regarding ur q'n about Paris, June is quite prefect month to visit Paris or SOuth France, the summer starts from end of june to august..Its really better to visit mostly during those months..Hope this helps,sorry for not replying earlier..

Unknown said...

Mexican food is my fav too..Your wraps look pretty and yummy..Great pics too!

Namitha said...

Loved that desi twist..you are making me hungry now...

Unknown said...

wow very nice and tempting burrito...loved the snap....

the blogger formerly known as sansmerci said...

yummy! i always try the mexican style at home but this sounds awesome and easier to make :) gonna try it soon!

Vineetha Sush said...

mhmmm really hungry after seeing ur burritto.deliciouss..can I come over to ur place for that..he he :)Thanks for ur vishu wishes dear..

PJ said...

love the flavorings of your indianized burrito and yes, I agree with your husband, just get the pro grade, it will stay forever and you will be much happier in the long run that you made the investment.

Dimah said...

It sounds and looks terrific!
Beautiful photos :)

Srividhya Ravikumar said...

looks awesome.. do drop in at my site whenever.. following you

Reflections said...

The burritoes look great...am gonna try them:-). But wht r these refried beans...I dont think they r available in dubai, can I substitute it with something else or avoid them altogether????

Ok I got a lot to say....so dont look surprised at the length of the comment.
I actually came here twice in the past 2 weeks but left thru some link or the other and in the process forgot to comment;-/

2nd I made those savoury buns u mentioned around 10 recipes back. I tried going there today & commenting on the post but ur page was not loading past the greek skandilos something something.

Next, where is labels heading??? Do add them onto ur sidebar coz most people will find it easier to chk on particular recipes thru there. U get what I'm saying, right????

And not the least, "then i would be a professional like Nigella Lawson...minus the boobs of course," was hilarious. Am still potti potti chiriking;-D

Reflections said...

For labels go to...
Customise[on ur dashboard]../
Click Layout..
then click on page elements...
click on 'add a gadget'[on the right]
Then click on labels, adjust them accordingly & save.

If u did it right they'll appear automatically on the right side of ur main page:-)

Manju @ Manjus Eating Delights said...

Nisha, I stumbled on this post quite by chance...my god ur nigella comment is out of this world...I can't stop laughing..and I'm sitting in my office trying hard not to laugh out loud!! Love the way u write :-)
Ingene ezhuthanum oru kazhivu venam ;-)