In Spanish, the word "burrito" means little donkey, but the Tex Mex meal by that name has nothing to do with the four-legged mammal. Burritos are, by definition, flour tortillas wrapped and folded around a variety of savory ingredients. Through the years and in different regions many varieties of burritos have been developed. Today, the burrito is a popular entrée that can be enjoyed as a sit down meal with fork and knife or on the go wrapped in paper or foil.
History
The burrito originated from Mexican cuisine and has found a home among Tex Mex and Americanized Mexican cuisine. Most sources trace the beginnings of the burrito to the late 1800s to the early 1900s, though the story of its origin varies.
Varieties
Traditionally, Mexican burritos are much smaller and thinner than their Americanized counterparts. In addition to differences in size, Mexican burritos also usually only contain one or two ingredients. Americanized burritos are likely to be much larger and contain any number of ingredients. Even Americanized burritos come in a number of varieties. One variety of burrito referred to as a wet burrito is served smothered in red chili sauce and often topped with shredded cheese. Breakfast burritos have also gained popularity. These burritos are commonly found on early morning menus. Low-carb diet trends even gave way to the burrito bowl where the ingredients that would be used to stuff a burrito are served in a bowl without the tortilla.
Ingredients
Mexican burritos are generally filled with just seasoned rice, refried beans or meat. Americanized versions are commonly filled with a combination of ingredients. Meat, cheese, rice, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream are common in Americanized burritos. Breakfast burritos are commonly stuffed with ingredients that may include a combination of scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, salsa, cheese, bacon, sausage or chorizo.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of a burrito depends on the on the types and quantity of ingredients used in the particular burrito. Burritos stuffed with vegetables, salsa, beans and lean meats pack more nutritional value than those stuffed with fattier meats and cheeses. Black bean and lean meat fillings provide a high protein meal that can be quite healthy if cheese and sour cream are omitted from the ingredients. Diners should be aware of the size of the burrito. Many Americanized burritos are served in portions much larder than what is considered a single serving size.
Buying Burritos
At least one variation of the burrito is generally found on the menu of any Tex Mex or Mexican restaurant. Diners will also find different forms of the burrito on menus at many restaurants that focus on American Cuisine. Burritos have also become popular in fast food chains. Taco Bell and Del Taco include a variety of inexpensive burritos on their Mexican inspired menus. Fast food restaurant chains like Qdoba and Chipoltle have made meals out of the burrito. Customers at these chains can assemble their choice of ingredients to make an extra large burrito that suits their tastes.
Tags: Americanized burritos, Mexican burritos, stuffed with, Breakfast burritos, burrito served, burritos commonly
