Attempting Chipotle Burritos

One of the perks of eating at Chipotle is the variety and options available. It's no extra work if everyone wants a different variety of burrito, because they're all there and ready to scoop. And it's ALWAYS delicious!

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Another perk is their great dedication to a better food world. I'm sure you noticed already, but I feel very strongly about sustainable eating. I love knowing that when I'm giving my money to a company, I'm also giving it to a cause I believe in.

Luckily, the Bup and I have very similar taste, so when I decided to try to make Chipotle-like burritos for dinner, I didn't need to go overboard with options.

Chipotle is nice enough to provide their ingredients on their website. I followed their loose instructions and the result, while really tasty, wasn't quite the same. Close though for at home eating, though! I think my main problem was the wrap. It was only about half the size of theirs, so I couldn't fill it as full. It was also whole wheat, which has a stronger flavor than the ones at Chipotle. If you're going to recreate this, I'd recommend using a very large, plain flavored wrap.

For their black beans, here's what they say: "Our black beans are seasoned with cumin, garlic and other spices, then slow cooked until tender and slightly al dente."  I didn't have time to slow cook them, so I tried cooking them in a little water to soften them. It worked! I was looking for flavor more than anything else, though. The "other spices" part gets a little tricky, but they have a Mexican flair so I used onion powder & chili powder.

The Fajita Vegetables weren't too hard - they're just green bell peppers, red onions, and some fresh oregano. I love this part of the burrito experience, so I put in the extra (minimal) effort.

I skipped the rice, even though I love it. When we eat at Chipotle I usually get the salad, which I love having the rice on. In a tortilla, though, I feel like it's optional. The Bup doesn't really like rice in his burritos, so I didn't mind doing without, too.

We made fresh salsa earlier in the week in the VitaMix, so I'm using that.

I thought the guacamole would be the hardest part to replicate, but it turned out the best!

"Hand mashed, ripe Hass avocados, mixed with freshly chopped cilantro, red onions, jalapeño peppers, citrus juice, salt and selected spices until silky, sexy and delicious."

"Silky, sexy & delicious" is right! Again, it's those "selected spices" that are the kicker. I used my VitaMix for the guac, and I think that's a key step. It's always so creamy and thick. I usually use a fork to mash the avocado, which results in a tasty but chunky guac. In the blender, all the flavors really come together and it gets super creamy.

The fixings, minus the lettuce and the tortilla chips we used to finish off the guac. :-)

Assembled & ready to eat!

Almost Chipotle Burritos
Inspired by Chipotle
Serves 2

1 1/2 c cooked black beans (or 1 15oz. can, drained & rinsed)
1/2 c water
1 1/2 tsp cumin
2 tsp minced garlic
3/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 medium bell pepper, sliced
1 T fresh oregano, chopped
1/2 c fresh tomato salsa
Guacamole (see recipe below)
2 large tortillas (we used small whole wheat ones, which altered the traditional flavor & texture too much)
Optional garnishes: shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh corn

In a nonstick pan, heat black beans and water on low. Add cumin, minced garlic, onion powder, chili powder & salt. Cook on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until water has cooked off, and the beans soften and begin to break apart. Remove from pan, place in serving dish and set aside.
Using the same pan, lightly saute bell pepper and red onion for about 5 minutes on low, just until slightly wilted. Toss with fresh oregano.
If desired, heat tortillas in the nonstick pan or in the microwave, wrapped in a damp cloth.  Fill with beans, fajita vegetables, salsa, guacamole, and other garnishes, to taste.

Guacamole
1 avocado
1 small jalapeno pepper, deveined and seeded (unless you want a hot kick to it!)
1/2 small red onion, chopped
2 T lime juice
1/2 tsp dried cilantro (or 1 T fresh cilantro)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Prepare guacamole by pureeing the avocado, jalapeno, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and garlic powder in a blender or food processor until smooth. (If you prefer chunky guacamole, mash with a fork by hand. Just make sure the onion is finely chopped!) Place in a small bowl along with the pit from the avocado and cover tightly. Refrigerate until ready to eat.