Smarter Living: Recipes

These burritos are a delicious, satisfying meal on their own, whether made with high-quality beef or refried beans. Serve with a simple salad of peppery arugula dressed with some oil and vinegar and salt and pepper. Recipe reprinted with permission from threedollardinner.com.

Time, Price, Calories

Total Time: 16 to 20 minutes

Total Cost for Four People: $14.02

• 4 eight-inch whole wheat tortillas (1/2 package) $0.88
• 1 organic onion $0.60
• 3 cans organic refried beans $4.17
• 15-oz. can diced tomatoes $1.39
• 6 oz. organic shredded cheddar cheese $3.99
• 4 large handfuls organic arugula or spinach $1.98

Cost Per Person: $3.50

Caloriese Per Serving: 580

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 eight-inch whole wheat tortillas (1/2 package)
• 1 organic onion
• 3 cans organic refried beans
• 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 6 oz. organic shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large handfuls organic arugula or spinach
• 1 cup yogurt (optional for topping)

Condiments:

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salsa
• Lemon juice
• Oil and vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Method:

STEP 1 (2 MINUTES)

Set oven to 200 degrees F. Place 4 tortillas on oven racks and leave them there; close oven.

STEP 2 (1 MINUTE)

Put 1 Tbsp. olive oil or other oil in skillet. Heat on medium-high heat on stovetop.

STEP 3 (2 MINUTES)

Roughly chop onion: First, slice off and discard the root end. Then peel off all the papery outer layers. Cut in 1/4-inch-thick slices, then quarter each slice.

STEP 4 (4 MINUTES)

Put the chopped onion in the skillet. Stir every 20 or 30 seconds. Onion will soften and become translucent. Cook for four minutes.

STEP 5 (2 to 6 MINUTES)

Drain the beans of their water and add to the pan with the onion. Reduce the heat to low. Add about 2 tsp. cumin and 2 tsp. chili powder and the canned tomatoes. Add salt to taste and let simmer for about 3 or 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

STEP 6 (1 MINUTE)

Carefully remove tortillas from oven.

STEP 7 (4 MINUTES)

Place each tortilla on a plate. In the center of the tortilla, spread 1/4 of the bean and onion mixture and 1/4 of the cheddar cheese. Fold the sides of the burrito inward, then fold the bottom up and the top down to enclose the filling. Serve with a couple of tablespoons of salsa on top of each burrito.

STEP 8 (2 MINUTES)

In a large bowl, toss arugula with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, a tiny splash of lemon juice, a splash of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

OPTIONAL:

If you like, top the burritos with some yogurt, a healthy alternative to sour cream. Just mix 1 cup plain yogurt with a little salt and spoon on.

last revised 8/9/2011