Craft Your Own Flavorful Mission Style Burrito

Introduction

Mission style burritos, a popular staple of Mexican cuisine, are known for their hearty and satisfying flavors. Originating from the Mission District in San Francisco, these burritos are characterized by their size and the way they are wrapped to keep all the ingredients contained. Creating your own Mission style burrito at home is a delightful and customizable process, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Follow this recipe to craft a delectable and authentic Mission style burrito that’s sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

To make your own Mission style burrito, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound of steak or chicken, thinly sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup of cooked rice
– 1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar)
– 1 cup of salsa
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Mission style burrito:

1. **Prepare the Filling**: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and sliced bell pepper until they are tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. **Cook the Meat**: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and cook the thinly sliced steak or chicken until it is browned and cooked through. Season the meat with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for added flavor.

3. **Warm the Tortillas**: Warm the flour tortillas in a separate skillet or on a griddle until they are soft and pliable.

4. **Assemble the Burrito**: Lay out the warm tortillas and divide the cooked rice, pinto beans, sautéed vegetables, and cooked meat equally among them. Top each with a portion of shredded cheese and salsa.

5. **Wrap the Burritos**: To wrap the burritos in the Mission style, fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling, holding the sides in place. Roll the burrito up tightly, ensuring the ingredients are fully enclosed.

6. **Serve and Enjoy**: Place the wrapped burritos seam-side down on a platter. You can serve them as is or grill them for a few minutes on each side for a crispy exterior. Slice them in half if desired and enjoy your homemade Mission style burritos.

FAQ

**Q: Can I customize the filling ingredients?**
A: Absolutely! The beauty of Mission style burritos lies in their versatility. You can tailor the filling to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients such as guacamole, sour cream, different varieties of beans, or your favorite salsa.

**Q: Can I make these burritos in advance?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the filling and assemble the burritos.

**Q: What are some side dishes that pair well with Mission style burritos?**
A: Classic accompaniments to Mission style burritos include Mexican rice, refried beans, tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, or a crisp green salad.

**Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this burrito?**
A: Absolutely! You can omit the meat and create a delicious vegetarian version by adding extra vegetables, tofu, or meat substitutes as the filling.

**Q: Are Mission style burritos the same as regular burritos?**
A: While both types of burritos share similarities, Mission style burritos are typically larger in size and are wrapped to contain the ingredients more tightly, often resulting in a foil-wrapped, easier-to-hold burrito.

Now that you have the know-how, have fun experimenting with your own Mission style burrito creation in your kitchen. With a little practice, you’ll be making burritos that are just as flavorful and satisfying as the ones from your favorite Mexican restaurants. Enjoy!