Veggie Burritos and Guacamole

If you work in DC near the McPhearson Square area of DC, or live in the Columbia Pike area of Arlington then you are hopefully familiar with the fantastic burritos served up by Pedro & Vinny's.  In DC they operate via a food cart (not a food truck) at the corner of 15th and K, and in Arlington they now have a freestanding location a block or two down from the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse.  

When my husband worked in McPhearson Square I would sometimes come meet him for lunch and we always went to the burrito cart.  This may not sound fancy, but these burritos are amazing.  They are large and made with all fresh ingredients, and most impressive of all they are full of flavor without using any meat (the Arlington location does have meat options).  Eventually my husband changed jobs and moved locations so that our burrito lunch dates are no longer possible.  We never lost our love for these burritos though, and so we started trekking down to Columbia Pike sometimes to satisfy our cravings.  I always made sure to pay close attention every time my order was prepared, and eventually I realized that I could probably make similar burritos at home myself.  I noticed that they key elements are sauteing the black beans with spices, and steaming the tortillas.  

My hunch proved correct as I now have the process for these burritos down to a science and this recipe is so popular in my house that I make it probably every two weeks.  There are definitely additional add on items you can include that I do not use, such as cheese or sour cream, and you can omit various items, such as the refried beans, as well.

Veggie Burritos

Ingredients:
1 Box Spanish Rice (Near East brand recommended)
2 Cans Black Beans
1 Can Vacuum Packed Corn
1 Can Refried Beans (optional)
1 Head Green Leaf Lettuce
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
1 Medium Onion
2 Cloves of Garlic
2 Tsp Ground Cumin
2 Tsp Chili Powder
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Guacamole (recipe below)
Hot Sauce of Choice

Step 1:  This is another recipe where prep is the most important element in order to keep you from losing your mind.  Once you begin cooking everything starts moving pretty fast so if you have everything already rinsed, chopped, and diced the process will run much smoother.  So for the first step you need to rinse and chop your lettuce, rinse the cherry tomatoes, empty the black beans into a colander and rinse, and dice the onion and garlic.  Also go ahead and open the corn and empty into a microwave safe dish.  If you are also making homemade guacamole (see recipe below) to go with the burritos you should also prep all of these ingredients at this time too.

Step 2:  Once everything is rinsed, chopped and diced, you can begin to cook your Spanish rice following the directions on the back of the box.  I recommend using the Near East brand because the rice is the perfect texture once cooked, it's not too saucy or too sticky like other Spanish rice brands I've tried.  If you use this brand it will take approximately 25 minutes for the rice to cook. The entire rest of this recipe will be completed in the time it takes the rice to cook so that everything is ready at the same time.  Once you have the rice cooking you should empty the can of refried beans into a pan on the stove and start to cook over low heat.  You will want to occasionally come back and stir these beans, but generally you don't need to pay much attention to these from here on out.  Once the refried beans are on the stove you should use the next 10 minutes to make the guacamole (see recipe below).

Step 3:  When the rice has 15 minutes left to cook spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray and begin to heat over medium heat.  Let heat for about 2 minutes, then add diced onion and garlic along with the ground cumin and chili powder.

At this 15 minute mark you should also begin boiling the water to steam your tortillas.  I am lucky enough to have a steamer that sits on top of one of my pots.  I fill the pot about half way with water, I place the steamer on top and place the lid on the steamer.  I turn the heat to high and wait for the water to boil.  If you do not have a pot with a steamer like this I'm not sure what the best alternative would be, you need some sort of steamer that can sit over boiling water and you need a lid that can cover the top of your steamer so that the steam doesn't escape.

The steamer sits on top of the pot, it came as part of my cookware set

Step 4:  Saute the onions, garlic, and spices for about 3 minutes.  At this point your rice should have about 10 minutes left to cook.  Add the rinsed black beans to the skillet and saute over medium heat with onion, garlic, and spices.  At this time you should also place your corn in the microwave and cook for 1:30 minutes.  If you have the space on your stove you can also cook the corn in a pan on the stove top, but I typically have all of my burners in use with other items during this recipe.

Step 5:  When the rice has about 3 minutes left to cook your water for the steaming should be boiling.  Place your tortillas in the steamer and cover with the lid, 3 minutes seems to be the perfect amount of time to steam the tortillas.  I can typically fit 3-4 tortillas in my steamer at a time, it is ok if they overlap but you don't want to overfill your steamer.

I place my tortillas over the holes and cover with the lid

At the end of the 3 minutes turn off your rice and beans and remove tortillas from the steamer and place on a plate.

Steaming the tortillas makes them soft and pliable, it also helps you seal your burrito once you have it filled

Step 6:  Serve up all of your ingredients for everyone to make their own burritos.

Guacamole

I love a great, simple guacamole to add some creamy texture to my burritos.  It's such an easy thing to make and always tastes best when fresh.  If you are not familiar with buying avocados then you need to know how to pick a ripe one.  If you are going to be using it the same day then look for one with dark green skin and that feels soft when lightly squeezed, if you are going to wait a day then still look for the dark green skin but try to find one that has a little firmness when you lightly squeeze it (but it should still feel somewhat soft).

Ingredients:

1 Ripe Avocado
2 Cloves of Garlic
1 Can Petite Dices Tomatoes (or one whole tomato diced)
1 Lime Wedge
Salt & Pepper

Step 1:  Mince the garlic and place in a bowl.

Step 2:  Cut the avocado in half and scoop out the insides and add to the bowl with your garlic.

Step 3:  Drain the can of diced tomatoes, or if you are using a whole tomato dice it.  I prefer to use canned diced tomatoes simply because it is easier.  I generally like chopping and dicing vegetables, but tomatoes are my least favorite because of how soft they are.  If you are using canned tomatoes add about 3/4 of the can to your bowl with the avocado and garlic.

Step 4:  Squeeze one wedge of lime into the bowl.  The lime adds a hint of flavor and will help keep your guacamole from browning too much.  Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5:  Use a fork and mash everything in your bowl together.  You can control the texture of your guacamole, so you can leave it chunky if that's what you like, personally I prefer a creamier guacamole.  Once you have it mixed to your liking feel free to enjoy with chips, or as a topping for your burritos.

What do you like to include in your burritos?  Did any of you already know the trick of steaming the tortillas?

Vegan Enchiladas and Black Bean Hummus

So, in sticking with the goal of listening to my body and reducing my dairy intake I did some experimenting with a favorite vegetarian enchilada recipe to find a dairy-free adaptation.  I found this, the original recipe this is based on, through Pinterest (isn't that site amazing?).  I also had this vegan stuffed shell recipe on hand, passed along by a friend.  Having made both of these original recipes numerous times, and finding some variations of my own to add, I had an idea that I could combine parts of the two to turn my veggie enchiladas into vegan enchiladas.  I took the creamy tofu mixture from the stuffed shell recipe (minus the spinach) and substituted it for the feta portion of the enchilada recipe.  I was nervous as I tried this, but lo and behold, it turned out to be a success!!!

As you read the recipe it might look like a lot of work, but really I just like to break down every little step.  Also, the key to making this recipe easy is the prep work, having everything ready to go before you start makes it pretty quick and simple.  I also acknowledge, this isn't really a "pretty" recipe in the end, but it does taste quite good.


Vegan Enchiladas

Ingredients:

Sauce -
1 Tbs Canola or Vegetable Oil
1 Small Onion
3 Cloves of Garlic
3 Tbs Chili Powder
2 Tsp Ground Cumin
2 Tsp Sugar
1 14 Oz Can Tomato Sauce
1/2 C Water
Pinch Salt & Pepper

Filling - 
1 15 Oz Can Black Beans
1 Tbs Canola or Vegetable Oil
1 Medium Onion
1 Red or Yellow Bell Pepper
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
3 Cloves of Garlic
1 1/2 C Enchilada Sauce (see above)
1 14 Oz Brick of Firm Tofu
2 Tbs Olive Oil
2 Tbs Nutritional Yeast* See bottom of post for where to find this 
2 Cloves of garlic
1/2 C Minced Cilantro (optional)
Corn Tortillas

Step 1:  As I mentioned above, the prep work for this recipe is the key to keeping this simple.  So for the first step you should dice the onions, bell pepper, zucchini, and squash.  Mince 6 of the 8 cloves of garlic (leave two whole, but peeled).  Drain and rinse the black beans.  Put half of the black beans in a bowl and mash with a fork.

Step 2:  Another prep work step, I know, but I wanted to single this out for those not familiar with  using tofu.  You need to press the liquid out of the tofu.  Here is my method: place a folded paper towel on a cutting board or plate,  place the brick of tofu on the paper towel, place another folded paper towel on top of the tofu, place something slightly heavy (but not too heavy) on to of everything.  I use a set of ceramic measuring cups as my something heavy.  Leave this set-up in place until you reach the tofu blending step below.

Step 3:  Heat 1 Tbs of your oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat.  Once heated, add 3 minced cloves of garlic and the small diced onion.

Step 4:  Saute the onions and garlic until soft and translucent.  Add the cumin, chili powder, and sugar.  Stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds), add tomato sauce and water.  Bring to a light boil, reduce heat to low and allow to simmer while you make the filling. Begin preheating the oven to 425 degrees. 

Step 5:  And now you are ready to make the tofu mixture.  Break the drained tofu into pieces and place in a food processor, add the two whole cloves of garlic, 2 Tbs olive oil, and 2 Tbs Nutritional Yeast.  

Step 6:  Blend with the food processor until the texture is creamy.  Transfer to a large mixing bowl, then just set this aside while you cook the chopped veggies.

Step 7:  Heat Tbs oil in a large pan.  Once heated add the last 3 minced garlic cloves, the medium diced onion, and the diced bell pepper.  Saute until soft.

Step 8:  Add the diced zucchini and yellow sqaush, saute until these new veggies are soft.

Step 9:  Add the whole black beans and mashed black beans.  Saute until well mixed and heated.

Step 10:  Add the cooked veggies, minced cilantro, and 1/2 C enchilada sauce to the bowl with the tofu mixture. Stir together until well blended.

I know, not really pretty, but very yummy!

Step 11:  Use a large baking  dish for cooking the enchiladas, I use my lasagna pan.  Heat the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds, this will make them soft and pliable (although they still might crack like mine did, this doesn't affect the flavor in any way though).  Place a tortilla in your dish, place a spoonful of your filling mixture in the center of the tortilla, roll into a wrap shape and place seam down in the dish. 

I like to cram as many into my dish as possible.

Yeah they cracked on me this time, oh well.

Step 12:  I typically have filling left over and I personally like to add some of this filling to the enchilada sauce prior to pouring the sauce over the enchiladas.  This is totally optional, but something to think of trying.  So now you pour the sauce over your enchiladas and place them in the oven for 15 minutes. 

Once out of the oven serve up and enjoy!

So, maybe not the most Pinterest worthy image, but delicious all the same.

Black Bean Hummus

Sometimes I like to have a little something to snack on while I'm cooking, and this is a perfect little recipe to whip up.  Hummus is kind of amazing, you take some softened beans, add some garlic and oil and seasoning, and just blend until creamy.  I almost always have black beans on hand so this is the simplest hummus for me to make in a hurry.

Ingredients:
1 15 Oz Can Black Beans
2 Garlic Cloves Peeled
1 Tbs Olive Oil
2 Tsp Ground Cumin
1 Tbs Lemon Juice

Step1:  Place all ingredients in a food processor.

Step 2:  Blend with the processor until creamy.

Step 3:  Serve up with your favorite dipping item, I like almond nut crackers.  It's really that simple!

*Finding Nutritional Yeast:  Nutritional yeast is a magic ingredient in my opinion.  It has a cheesy sort of flavor so it is ideal for people like me who shouldn't eat cheese but still like food that has a cheese flavor.  Finding this item, however, may or may not be difficult.  I've been seeing more and more recipes calling for it, so I think it should start showing up in main stream grocery stores soon if it's not already there.  I got mine from Whole Foods.  Some Whole Foods sell nutritional yeast in the bulk section, but for those that don't go to the supplements aisle and you will find it in a canister like the one pictures below.  It is a little pricey, this can cost about $13, but the can is HUGE and a little goes a long way so it lasts a really long time.

Have any of you tried making a major modification to a favorite recipe?  How did it turn out?

A Not So Dairy Queen

Photo via

Sigh, I do love myself some cheese.  A nice creamy brie, particularly if it's been baked en croute; a good sharp Cheddar; and oh goat cheese, how do I love you.  But alas, our affair can be no more.  After dealing with digestive issues off and on for about a year, I finally made an appointment with my doctor this last summer.  I had a strong suspicion that I knew what the problem was, I just didn't want to admit it, and then she confirmed my fear "you're probably lactose intolerant".  In order to be sure though, she advised me to cut out all dairy for a week or so to see if I felt better.  If that didn't work I could come back and talk about other potential causes. 

So I did as told and completely cut out all dairy successfully for about two weeks.  The difference was dramatic, I felt so much better and no longer experienced digestive discomfort.  I was shocked at how quickly I was able to feel the difference.  Unfortunately, though, this meant that the diagnosis I had dreaded was accurate, I had developed lactose intolerance.  (After reading some articles I have discovered this may not be that uncommon in adult women.)

So now, faced with this new truth about my body, I have been trying to figure out the best ways to adapt my diet.  Why oh why does something I love so much have to cause so much pain and discomfort?  Luckily, after doing some online research I've discovered that there are still some dairy items I can, or might be able to, eat without issue.  First, I learned that Greek yogurt is A.OK because of the cultures, but unfortunately frozen yogurt not so much.  Additionally, harder, aged cheeses tend to have lower levels of lactose and therefore are less likely to cause an issue than say a fresh whole milk mozzarella (bye bye my beloved caprese salads).  Through trial and error I have so far determined that I can handle small amounts of parmesan, however provolone is definitely not in the cards for me.  I have also made the decision to switch to almond milk for my cereal, a change I surprisingly liked.

Figuring out what dairy items I can and cannot enjoy has been quite an experience, and has not been easy.  In fact, I have to admit that after about 2 months of really trying to be careful about what went into my mouth at each meal, I started getting lazy and sloppy.  I reasoned that, well, it's not like the lactose is going to kill me.  I just have to be willing to accept the uncomfortable consequences that go along with it, and sometimes the cheese is worth the discomfort.  This is not a healthy frame of mind, though; sure, the lactose isn't going to kill me, but I should value my body enough to respect when it's telling me that something isn't working.

I need recognize that I am lucky, there are people suffering from conditions such as Crohn's that wish it was just lactose intolerance.  I have a simple solution to my problem, so I need to take charge and actually do the work to weed the negative products out of my diet.  And that right there folks seems to be the issue for me, cutting out dairy (or specifically dairy containing lactose) is work, or at least for me it's work. 

I am so used to being able to generally eat whatever I want, I had no food allergies or anything growing up.  If I didn't want to eat meat or dairy at a particular meal, fine, but I could limit that decision to when I felt like it and I only needed a small number of recipes to accommodate those days.  If I found a recipe I really wanted to try I didn't have to think twice about whether it called for cheese or milk or not.  I do really prefer to eat limited amounts of meat, so over several years I have cultivated a wide range of tried and true vegetarian recipes, however virtually all of them rely on some form of dairy for flavor.  So now, I feel like I am starting from scratch.  Cooking without meat has become easy (I am not a full vegetarian however, I simply eat limited amounts of meat), but I now need to learn to make dairy-free cooking just as easy.  Unfortunately, now many of my go-to recipes can no longer be in rotation, at least not without modifications.  This means I have to put a lot more thought into meal planning.  Until living without dairy becomes second nature I can't just go to the grocery store and figure things out there, everything related to my meals will have to be thought and planned out ahead of time, which will require significant effort on my part.

I know what I need to do, I just need to actually do it.  I need to take the time to plan out all meals a week at a time.  I need to reevaluate my pantry to ensure that I have it stocked to be friendly for a no-dairy household.  I need to make the effort to find and try out new recipes, and I need to experiment to determine which current recipes can be modified.  I need to do a lot, and it will be work, and it does feel daunting but it is necessary to ensure my body is healthy.  So as I make progress with this process I promise to share any great recipes I come across, or maybe even create on my own, as well as any tips I learn to make such a complete dietary overhaul easier.  Oh, and if anyone has a good vegan pizza recipe (not using soy cheese) please, please, pass it along!  Pizza is something I don't want to have to give up on completely.

Are any of you struggling with late in life dietary changes?  Was it as hard to modify your diet as it seems to be for me?