Ingredients
- Large Flour Tortillas (8-10 inches): These are the essential wraps that hold our burrito together. Opt for large size to accommodate generous fillings and choose flour for their soft texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients. Whole wheat tortillas can be used for added fiber, but flour tortillas offer a classic burrito experience.
- Eggs (6 large, preferably free-range): The protein superstar of our breakfast burrito! Eggs provide a creamy, rich base and are packed with essential nutrients. Free-range eggs often boast richer yolks and a more pronounced flavor, contributing to a more satisfying burrito.
- Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz, rinsed and drained): These little legumes are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with protein and fiber. Black beans bring a hearty, earthy flavor and texture to the burrito, making it more filling and satisfying. Rinsing and draining is crucial to remove excess sodium and the canning liquid, ensuring a cleaner taste.
- Onion (½ medium, diced): The aromatic foundation of our savory filling. Onion, when sautéed, releases its sweet and pungent flavors, creating a flavorful base for the vegetables. Dicing ensures even cooking and distribution of flavor throughout the filling. Yellow or white onions work best for their balanced flavor.
- Bell Pepper (1 medium, diced, any color): Adding a burst of color, sweetness, and a satisfying crisp-tender texture, bell peppers are a vital element. They’re also rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants. Choose your favorite color – red, yellow, orange, or green – or a mix for visual appeal and a slightly varied flavor profile. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter note.
- Fresh Spinach (2 cups, packed): A leafy green boost of nutrients! Spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a subtle earthy flavor and vibrant color. It’s packed with vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, folate), and antioxidants, making our burrito even healthier and more vibrant. Baby spinach is a convenient and tender option.
- Shredded Cheese (1 cup, packed, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend): The melty, cheesy glue that binds everything together! Cheese adds a rich, savory flavor and creamy texture that elevates the burrito. Cheddar provides a classic sharp flavor, Monterey Jack offers a mild, melty creaminess, and a Mexican blend combines several cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Consider pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, extra virgin): Used for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the eggs, olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats and a subtle fruity flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and nutritional benefits. Avocado oil or coconut oil are also good alternatives.
- Spices (1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste): These spices are the flavor enhancers, creating a warm, savory, and slightly smoky profile that perfectly complements the vegetables and beans. Cumin provides earthy warmth, chili powder adds a mild heat and complexity, and garlic powder offers savory depth. Adjust the amounts to your spice preference. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
- Optional Toppings (for serving):
- Salsa: Adds freshness, acidity, and a vibrant tomato flavor. Choose your favorite level of spice.
- Avocado (sliced or mashed): Provides creamy richness, healthy fats, and a smooth texture.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm burrito. Greek yogurt is a healthier, higher-protein alternative to sour cream.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick of heat! Choose your favorite variety, from mild to fiery.
- Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of bright green color.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the Onion and Bell Pepper: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the bell pepper and onion. Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the onion into small, uniform pieces, about ¼ inch in size. Similarly, dice the bell pepper, removing the seeds and membranes first. Uniformly diced vegetables ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the burrito filling, preventing any large, undercooked pieces. Set the diced vegetables aside in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Onions First: Heat olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up properly before adding the vegetables; this will prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Add the diced onion to the hot skillet and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become softened and translucent. Stir frequently with a spatula to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Sautéing the onions first releases their aromatic compounds and mellows their pungent flavor, creating a sweeter and more palatable base for the filling.
- Add Bell Pepper and Continue Sautéing: Once the onions are softened, add the diced bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until the bell peppers are slightly tender-crisp. You want the peppers to soften slightly but still retain a bit of their bite and texture. Avoid overcooking them to mushiness. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Wilt the Spinach and Infuse with Spices: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet on top of the sautéed onions and peppers. The spinach will seem like a lot initially, but it wilts down dramatically as it cooks. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is completely wilted and bright green. Once the spinach is wilted, create a small well in the center of the vegetables and add the ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder directly into the well. Cook the spices for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. This “blooming” of the spices in the hot oil enhances their flavor and aroma, maximizing their impact in the burrito filling. Then, stir the spices into the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a moderate amount and adjust as needed.
- Incorporate the Black Beans: Heat Through: Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet with the spiced vegetables. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly and ensure the beans are evenly distributed and coated with the flavorful spices and vegetables. Heat the black beans through, which should take about 2-3 minutes. They are already cooked, so you’re just warming them up and allowing them to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and keep the vegetable and bean mixture warm while you prepare the scrambled eggs.
- Prepare Fluffy Scrambled Eggs: While the vegetable and bean mixture is warming, prepare the scrambled eggs. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the eggs. Whisk the eggs vigorously with a fork or whisk until they are lightly combined and slightly frothy. Whisking incorporates air into the eggs, which helps them cook up light and fluffy. Heat a separate non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or a pat of butter to the skillet. Once the skillet is heated and the oil or butter is melted and shimmering, pour in the whisked eggs. Cook the eggs gently, stirring and scraping with a spatula, until they are cooked through but still slightly moist and creamy. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will become dry and rubbery. The key to perfect scrambled eggs is low and slow cooking and gentle stirring.
- Warm the Tortillas for Pliability: While the eggs are cooking, warm the tortillas to make them pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolling the burritos. There are several effective methods for warming tortillas:
- Microwave Method (Quickest): Stack the tortillas and wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds per tortilla, or until they are warm and pliable. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
- Skillet Method (Best Texture): Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one tortilla at a time in the hot skillet and warm for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly softened. You might see a few small bubbles forming. This method gives the tortillas a slightly toasted flavor and a more pleasant texture.
- Oven Method (For a Large Batch): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Stack the tortillas and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Assemble the Veggie Breakfast Burritos: Now for the fun part – assembling your burritos! Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the scrambled eggs onto the center of the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges for folding. Top the eggs with a spoonful of the warm vegetable and black bean mixture, distributing it evenly over the eggs. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the fillings. Be mindful not to overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to roll and may cause them to tear.
- Roll the Burritos Securely: To roll the burrito like a pro, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, overlapping slightly over the filling. Then, bring the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly as you roll upwards towards the top edge. Roll firmly but gently to create a tight, secure burrito. The goal is to create a well-sealed burrito that won’t unravel during eating.
- Optional: Toast the Burritos for Extra Crispness (Recommended!): For an extra layer of deliciousness and textural contrast, toast the rolled burritos. Heat a clean skillet (or use the same skillet after wiping it clean) over medium heat. Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. This step is optional but highly recommended as it adds a wonderful toasted flavor and a satisfying crispness to the tortilla, enhancing the overall burrito experience.
- Serve Immediately and Enjoy!: Serve your freshly made Veggie Breakfast Burritos immediately while they are warm and the cheese is melty. Offer a variety of optional toppings and accompaniments on the side, such as salsa, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, allowing everyone to customize their burritos to their individual tastes and preferences. Enjoy your flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying veggie breakfast!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g