Shital's-Kitchen: June 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

Burrito

Whatsapp has been so popular in connecting people. It is the easiest way I know, to be able to message people globally. Even my parents tend to use this application a lot. Sharing pictures is also done so easily. Okay, I am not publicizing this application, but with so many friends on Whatsapp and being able to be in touch with so many people worldwide,  it is just my favorite app on phone :)

Getting to know each other, sharing recipes and pictures, brainstorming ideas and so much more interaction has begun via Whatsapp. Planning meals is also getting interesting and easier. With wonderful nutritionist friends on board, there are motivational chats on good eats. One such chat led to this delicious weekend lunch. Yes, most of us planned to cook the same meal over the weekend! Doesn't it sound fun? Yes, it was! So many messages, sharing thoughts, exchanging recipes and sharing pictures of our final product. :)

Summer breaks are fun, but what I miss the most is Mexican feast in my school cafe. It is actually lunch, but I call it a feast. Delicious fresh salsa, guacamole, tortillas and so much good food they serve to the teachers :) Not just the food, but also wonderful fellow teachers and interesting talks add to the feast. It was time for some Mexican at home too! Burrito wraps: a wholesome and delicious meal for the family!

This recipe is not only great for the entire family, but also great for parties, potlucks, and picnics. Make your own taco or burrito would be so much fun!! My sister calls it a 'Chipotle Party'. While my sister was in the US, Chipotle Mexican Grill was her favorite restaurant, and she misses it a lot in India. When I go to India, we make it a point to cook Chipotle style food :)

My list to make burritos:
Fresh homemade tortillas, salsa, guacamole, beans, rice, sour cream, cheese and lettuce.

My trip to local market for fresh ingredients.








Homemade flour tortilla. 
Usually tortillas are made with all-purpose flour. I like to use whole wheat flour to make this meal even more healthy. Also adding spinach puree adds color too :)

Mix 1 1/2 cup wholewheat flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Add 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. baking powder, and 1 tsp. ghee or oil. Puree 2 cups of spinach with 1/2 cup water. Use this green puree to form a soft dough. Use additional water if needed. Dust the surface and knead the dough well for 4-5 minutes. Cover and keep it aside for at least 20 minutes.











Roll the dough into long roll and divide into 15 pieces. 
Roll each piece into a 10-12 inch thin tortilla.
On a very hot griddle, cook tortilla on each side for 10-15 seconds till you see slight bubbles. Do not over cook it. Keep it covered in a box till it is time to serve.













Fresh Pico De Gallo
Freshly chopped salsa is my favorite. Carlos, one of the chefs at our school cafeteria makes the best Pico De Gallo. Fresh and spicy! He also creates variety of salsa to go with chips :) Yummy!!

Mix 2 cups chopped tomatoes, 3/4 cup chopped onions, 1 cup chopped bell pepper, 1/2 to 1 finely chopped jalapeno, chopped cilantro 1 tsp. salt and fresh lime juice.
Serve fresh Salsa with chips or nachos.













Fresh Avocado Guacamole!
2 fresh, ripe, soft avocados. 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 cloves garlic, 1 chopped tomato, handful of fresh cilantro, 1 jalapeno.  


In a food processor. mince onion, tomato, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro. Add avocado and process it to form a smooth dip. I like to keep mine chunky so I only process 1 avocado in the food processor.
I like to roughly mash second avocado with a fork and then just mix with the processed one. That way I get a chunky dip :) Add salt and lime juice to taste. Never discard the seed/pit of the avocado. Let the pit be in a bowl. Some say it prevents avocado from browning.









1 cup soaked, boiled black beans or kidney beans. Saute in a tbsp of oil, 1/2 chopped onion and 1tsp. chopped jalapeno. Add salt the taste and cook for 3-4 minutes.





To 1 cup of freshly boiled rice add 2 tbsp. lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro.

2 cups Fresh Shredded Lettuce

In 1/2 cup Sour cream add 1 tbsp. lime juice and 3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well.
Serve!

Fresh Spinach Tortilla, everything ready to be assembled.

To Assemble:
On a tortilla, put 2 tbsp. of beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and lettuce. 
Wrap well and serve!











This one is for me, without rice :)





Enjoy your Fresh & Healthy Burrito Wrap!