The burrito has a fascinating history rooted in Mexican cuisine, yet it has evolved and gained immense popularity, especially in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of its origins and evolution:
Origin of the Burrito
- The word burrito translates to “little donkey” in Spanish. While its exact origin is somewhat unclear, there are several theories about its name and creation.
- Burritos originated in Northern Mexico, where wheat flour tortillas were more common than corn tortillas due to the region’s agricultural conditions.
- Unlike modern burritos, the original Mexican versions were much simpler—consisting of just a few ingredients, such as meat, beans, and cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Historical Background
- Mexican Origins:
- The burrito’s roots trace back to the late 19th or early 20th century in Northern Mexican states like Sonora and Chihuahua.
- It was a practical food for farmers, laborers, and travelers, who needed something portable and filling.
- Theories Behind the Name:
- One story suggests that a street food vendor in Chihuahua in the early 1900s wrapped food in flour tortillas to keep it warm and portable. He supposedly used a donkey (burro) to carry his goods, and customers began calling the food “burritos”.
- Another theory connects the name to the appearance of a tightly wrapped tortilla resembling a donkey’s rolled-up bedroll.
- Introduction to the United States:
- Burritos first appeared in Mexican-American communities in the early 20th century, particularly in border states like Texas, Arizona, and California.
- The first recorded mention of a burrito in the U.S. appeared in a Los Angeles restaurant menu in the 1930s.
- Over time, burritos adapted to local tastes, leading to larger and more elaborate versions, such as the Mission-style burrito popularized in San Francisco during the 1960s.
Here’s a flavorful Mission-Style Burrito recipe inspired by the iconic San Francisco burritos. It’s a fully loaded meal wrapped in a tortilla, packed with tender meat, rice, beans, and bold toppings.
Deliciously Big: Homemade Mission Burrito Recipe
Description
The Mission Burrito is an iconic culinary creation that originated from the Mission District of San Francisco. Renowned for its size and bold flavors, this burrito is a hearty meal designed to satisfy even the most voracious appetites. What sets the Mission Burrito apart is its generous filling of rice, beans, proteins, and various toppings, all enveloped in a warm, soft flour tortilla.
Ingredients:
For the Burrito Filling:
Optional Add-Ons:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mission Burrito
Steps
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Warm the tortillas:
Heat the flour tortillas on a large skillet over medium heat for about 10 seconds per side to make them pliable. Keep warm in a clean towel.
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Prepare the filling ingredients:
If using carne asada or chicken, season it with salt, pepper, cumin, and a squeeze of lime before grilling or pan-frying. Dice into small pieces.
Heat the pinto beans in a small pan and season with salt and cumin, if desired.
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Assemble the burrito:
Place a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Start with a layer of rice in the center, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
Add the beans, then the carne asada (or protein).
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot fillings so it melts slightly.
Add salsa, guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, and some shredded lettuce.
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Fold the burrito:
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom up. Tuck in the sides as you go to seal it neatly.
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Grill for extra flavor (optional):
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down and toast for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Flip and toast the other side.
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Serve immediately:
Serve the burrito warm with extra salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 955kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 37g57%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 130mg44%
- Sodium 2850mg119%
- Potassium 1345mg39%
- Total Carbohydrate 98g33%
- Dietary Fiber 15g60%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 58g116%
- Vitamin A 395 IU
- Vitamin C 9 mg
- Calcium 450 mg
- Iron 10 mg
- Vitamin D 0.5 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 12 mcg
- Thiamin 1 mg
- Niacin 11 mg
- Vitamin B6 1 mg
- Folate 365 mcg
- Vitamin B12 3 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 2 mg
- Phosphorus 815 mg
- Magnesium 125 mg
- Selenium 62 mcg
- Copper 1 mg
- Manganese 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Notes
- Mexican Rice: Cook long-grain white rice and mix with tomato sauce, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Guacamole: Mash 2 ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
Tips for Success
- Use a large tortilla to fit all the fillings comfortably.
- Don’t overfill the burrito, or it will be difficult to roll.
- Toasting the burrito gives it a nice crunch and helps hold it together.
The Mission Burrito Recipe provided makes 2 large burritos, which can serve:
- 2 servings (1 burrito per person) for a hearty meal.
- 4 servings (½ burrito per person) if served with side dishes like salad, chips, or roasted vegetables.
