Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
Vegetarian burritos are a filling and vibrant meal that everyone can enjoy. They are packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of warm tortillas, seasoned beans, sautéed vegetables, and creamy avocado sauce creates a delicious bite that will leave you satisfied. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences.
Why Make This Recipe
Making vegetarian burritos at home is simple and rewarding. Not only do you have full control over the ingredients, but you can also customize the flavors to your liking. This recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch that caters to various diets, including gluten-free and dairy-free options. The process of assembling burritos can also be a fun activity to share with family or friends, making it a wonderful meal for a get-together.
What You Need for Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
To create these ultimate vegetarian burritos, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and ingredients. Gather your cooking utensils, which include:
- A large skillet for sautéing vegetables
- A small saucepan to cook the rice
- A food processor to blend the avocado cream sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked white rice
3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
2 Tbsp., plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp. lime zest, plus 1 Tbsp. lime juice
2 bell peppers (colors of choice), thinly sliced (I use orange and red)
1 poblano pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 to 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought; I use Siete brand)
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and lightly rinsed
2 tsp. adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
6 burrito-size flour tortillas, warmed
1/2 ripe avocado
1 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 small jalapeño (or 1/2 large), seed and ribs removed
1 garlic clove
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
How to Make Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
Prepare Zesty Avocado Cream Sauce
Start by making the zesty avocado cream sauce, which adds a creamy texture and fresh taste. In a food processor, combine the avocado, cilantro, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend the mixture until it is mostly smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets blended well. Once smooth, set the sauce aside.
Prepare Cilantro-Lime Rice
Next, you’ll want to prepare the cilantro-lime rice. In a small saucepan, combine the uncooked white rice with 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and let the rice simmer gently for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 tsp. of extra-virgin olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Keep the saucepan covered while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Sauté Fajita Veggies
While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced bell peppers, poblano pepper, and red onion. Cook these vegetables for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender. Once done, stir in 1 Tbsp. of taco seasoning for added flavor and remove the skillet from heat.
Prepare Chipotle Black Beans
For the black beans, drain and lightly rinse them in a colander, shaking off any excess water. Place the black beans in a bowl and mix in the adobo sauce, ground cumin, and the remaining 1/4 tsp. of kosher salt. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through until they’re warm.
Assemble and Roll Burritos
Now it’s time to assemble the burritos. Take one warm tortilla and spread about 2 Tbsp. of the avocado cream sauce in a strip across the bottom third of the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch edge on each side to prevent filling from spilling out. Next, top the sauce with 1/3 cup of cilantro-lime rice, followed by 1/3 cup of chipotle black beans, and finally, 1/3 cup of the sautéed fajita veggies.
To wrap the burrito, fold the left and right edges of the tortilla toward the filling. Then, fold up the bottom of the tortilla closest to you over the filling. Finally, roll the tortilla away from you tightly until the burrito is completely folded.
If you want a crispy exterior, lightly grease a skillet with cooking spray or oil, then heat over medium-high. Place the rolled burrito in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Enjoy your burritos immediately or follow the storage instructions below for later.
Best Ways to Serve Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
These ultimate vegetarian burritos are best served warm. You can pair them with extra avocado cream sauce, salsa, or your favorite hot sauce for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or tortilla chips. They are perfect for a casual family dinner or for sharing with friends.
How to Store Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm them on a skillet over medium heat. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled burritos. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Easy Tips to Make Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
-
Prep Ahead: Cook the rice and prepare the black beans in advance. Store them in the fridge so you can quickly assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat.
-
Customize Fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or use different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans.
-
Make It Spicy: If you love spice, consider adding more jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
-
Whole Wheat Tortillas: For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas if you want a gluten-free alternative.
Try These Variations of Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
- Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and diced potatoes for a hearty breakfast option.
- Southwestern Style: Incorporate corn or roasted sweet potatoes for a different twist.
- Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese before rolling the burrito for a melty interior that everyone will love.
Common Questions About Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
1. Can I make these burritos vegan?
Yes, simply replace the sour cream with vegan yogurt and ensure your tortillas are dairy-free.
2. How can I make these burritos gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas, and check that any seasoning blends are gluten-free as well.
3. What can I use instead of black beans?
You can substitute black beans with chickpeas, lentils, or any bean variety you prefer.
4. How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
Make sure to warm the tortillas before assembling. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
5. Can I freeze these burritos?
Absolutely! Assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly, and freeze. They can be reheated later for an easy meal.
Final Thoughts
These ultimate vegetarian burritos are a delightful mix of flavor and texture, making them a great choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. They’re easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients, ensuring you get a wholesome meal. Give this recipe a try for your next meal, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade burritos!
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the cooking fun begin! You’ll be enjoying flavorful burritos in no time.
Print
Ultimate Vegetarian Burritos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These vibrant vegetarian burritos are filled with seasoned beans, sautéed vegetables, and creamy avocado sauce, making them a wholesome meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 2 Tbsp., plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp. lime zest, plus 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 poblano pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
- 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp. adobo sauce
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 6 burrito-size flour tortillas, warmed
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the zesty avocado cream sauce by blending the avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare the cilantro-lime rice: In a saucepan, combine rice, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Stir in olive oil, cilantro, lime zest, and juice.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté bell peppers, poblano pepper, and onion until tender. Stir in taco seasoning and remove from heat.
- Mix black beans with adobo sauce, cumin, and remaining salt, then microwave until warm.
- Assemble the burritos: Spread avocado cream on tortilla, layer with rice, beans, and veggies. Wrap tightly.
- Cook the burritos in a skillet for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Notes
These burritos can be customized with different fillings. They store well in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican