Breakfast Burrito: A Hearty Start To Your Day

how not to die breakfast burrito

Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your day than with a delicious and nutritious breakfast burrito? The How Not To Die Cookbook by Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned physician and nutrition expert, features a mouth-watering recipe for a breakfast burrito bake. This recipe includes ingredients such as red onion, bell pepper, black beans, sweet potato, fresh salsa, and tortillas. The best part? You can prepare it the night before for an easy morning! In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of this tasty breakfast option and explore why it's a great choice to start your day.

Characteristics Values
Cookbook Author Dr. Michael Greger
Cookbook Name How Not To Die
Recipe Name Breakfast Burrito Bake
Preparation Time Can be prepared a night before
Ingredients Red onion, bell pepper, black beans, sweet potato, fresh salsa, tortillas, avocado/cilantro garnish, poblano peppers
Recipe Layer sweet potato mash, black bean veggie mix, roasted poblano peppers, salsa, and avocado/cilantro garnish one by one
Baking Time Not mentioned
Nutritional Value Filling, comforting, and satisfying
Serving Suggestions Cilantro lime dressing, hot sauce, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or tomatillo salsa
Storage Can be refrigerated for a few hours before cooking
Reheating Wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes

anmeal

Preparing ingredients and layering the filling

Preparing the Ingredients:

First, gather all the ingredients needed for the breakfast burrito. The key ingredients include red onion, bell pepper, black beans, sweet potato, fresh salsa, and tortillas. You can also include additional ingredients such as avocado, cilantro, spinach, and shredded cheese to enhance the flavour and nutrition.

Cooking the Ingredients:

Start by cooking the sweet potatoes. You can either bake, boil, or steam them until they are soft. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes and set them aside.

Next, prepare the black beans. Rinse and drain the beans, then heat them in a pan with some spices, such as cumin, paprika, or garlic powder, to add flavour. You can also include other veggies like bell peppers and onions in this step. Sauté them together until they are softened and slightly browned.

Layering the Filling:

Now it's time to assemble your breakfast burrito! Lay out your tortillas and start layering the filling. Here's a suggested order:

  • Spread a layer of the sweet potato mash in the centre of the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges.
  • Add a generous scoop of the bean and veggie mix on top of the sweet potato mash.
  • If you're including avocado, now is the time to add it. Place slices or chunks of avocado on top of the bean layer.
  • Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the avocado. The cheese will melt slightly from the warmth of the other ingredients, adding a creamy texture.
  • Finally, top it off with a dollop of fresh salsa for a burst of flavour and colour.

Rolling the Burrito:

Once you have layered the filling, it's time to roll your burrito. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, then tightly roll the burrito, keeping the filling compact and secure. You can use foil or parchment paper to help keep the burrito closed and maintain its shape.

Your breakfast burrito is now ready to be cooked or baked, following the instructions provided in the recipe. Don't forget that you can prepare these burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick and convenient meal option!

anmeal

Baking the burrito

The steps to baking the burrito are as follows:

Preparing the fillings:

First, prepare the fillings of your choice. Some common options include scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, chicken sausage, tater tots, avocado, black beans, cabbage, roasted red peppers, cilantro, spinach, and shredded cheese. You can also add some spices and seasonings to your fillings to enhance the flavor. For example, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes can be added to potatoes for a spicy kick.

Assembling the burrito:

Place a scoop of your chosen fillings in the middle of a large flour tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. You can also add some salsa or hot sauce to your burrito for an extra kick. Remember to leave enough space at the edges of the tortilla to wrap and roll it securely.

Baking instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the assembled burritos on a cookie sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the tortilla is slightly crispy and the cheese is melted. If you are baking frozen burritos, increase the baking time to 20-25 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

Storage and reheating:

To store your breakfast burritos, let them cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. To reheat, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or cook them directly from frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for fresh burritos or 20-25 minutes for frozen ones.

Tips:

  • It is recommended to flash-freeze your burritos before placing them in freezer bags to prevent them from sticking together and developing freezer burn.
  • If you prefer a softer tortilla, you can wrap your burrito in foil before reheating.
  • For a crispier texture, place the burritos under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

anmeal

Making the avocado-tomato salsa

Now, it's time to combine the ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, add the avocados and gently mix them with the tomatoes, being careful not to mash the avocado too much. You can also add some chopped red onions for extra flavour and a splash of colour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other ingredients like chopped coriander (cilantro), a squeeze of lime juice, or even some diced mango for a tropical twist.

Finally, season your salsa to taste. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and maybe a hint of cumin or smoked paprika for depth of flavour. Give it a final stir, and your avocado-tomato salsa is ready to be served! This salsa is a delicious, healthy addition to your breakfast burrito, providing essential vitamins and healthy fats to start your day. It's also versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences. Enjoy!

anmeal

Reheating and storing

Firstly, it is recommended to store your burritos in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months. Wrap them individually in parchment paper or aluminium foil and place them in a sealable container or plastic bag to maintain freshness.

When reheating, there are several methods you can use:

Microwave: Remove the foil from the burrito and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the burrito with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out and heat it in 30-second intervals, flipping halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. This method is quick and convenient, but it may not produce the same crispy texture as other methods.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 225-350 °F. Wrap the burrito in foil and place it on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Heat for 20-40 minutes, depending on the oven temperature and the size of the burrito. This method helps keep the tortilla soft and prevents it from drying out.

Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380 °F. Place the chilled burrito inside and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on its size. This method can produce a crispy exterior and evenly heat the filling.

Stovetop/Pan-frying: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the burrito in the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until heated through and lightly browned. You can also add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan for additional crispness.

Toaster Oven: Wrap the burrito in foil and place it in the toaster oven. Heat at a low temperature of around 300 °F for an extended period until the burrito is evenly heated throughout.

Remember to practice food safety and always ensure your burrito reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F before consuming. Enjoy your freshly reheated "How Not to Die" breakfast burrito!

anmeal

The Daily Dozen concept

The Daily Dozen identifies 12 essential plant foods that promote optimal health and should be incorporated into one's daily diet. This concept is not just a list of healthy foods but also serves as a practical guide for everyday cooking. By following The Daily Dozen, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being and even combat ill-health and disease.

While the specific foods that comprise The Daily Dozen are not explicitly mentioned, Dr. Greger's cookbook provides a range of delicious recipes that incorporate these essential plant foods. For example, the Breakfast Burrito Bake recipe includes ingredients such as red onion, bell pepper, black beans, sweet potato, fresh salsa, and tortillas. This dish is not only nutritious but also satisfying and comforting.

In conclusion, The Daily Dozen is a powerful tool for individuals seeking to enhance their health through nutrition. By incorporating these 12 essential plant foods into their daily routines, people can make significant strides towards achieving optimal health and disease prevention, as advocated by Dr. Greger in his groundbreaking book, "How Not To Die."

Frequently asked questions

The How Not To Die Cookbook is a book by Dr. Michael Greger, an internationally-renowned nutrition expert, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org. It contains delicious recipes and beautiful food photography, as well as guidance on nutritional science.

The key ingredients are red onion, bell pepper, black beans, sweet potato, fresh salsa, and tortillas.

The recipe is described as "delicious and nutritious" and can be prepared the night before, making mornings easier. It is also a good way to use up leftover ingredients.

Lightly coat a pan with oil and set the heat to medium. Place the burritos in the pan, seam side down, and cook until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the burritos and continue cooking until golden.

Yes, the burritos can be assembled a few hours ahead of time, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated before cooking. They can also be frozen and reheated in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment