Southwest cooking has often been described as earthy and full of spirit, with a character that is complex yet achieved with only a few simple ingredients.
Some of the more common ingredients that are considered to be south western include beans, corn, tomatoes, chillis, avocados, and squash.
You can combine all of these ingredients together in a satisfying and great tasting meal that features the tortilla.
The simple concept of filling a tortila with savoury ingredients and rolling it up is native to Sonora, found in the north west of Mexico. Experiment with chicken, beef, and beans as fillings.
Tortillas are a tasty on their own and make a great wrap. In Mexico the tortilla is usually used much like an eating utensil. You’ll find tortillas easily enough in your local grocery store and find they come in different varieties for all palates such as whole grain, corn, or ones made without hydrogenated oils.
You’ll want to serve salsa with your burrito to give it that added zing. In past years, salsa has replaced ketchup as the favourite condiment.
There are countless commercial salsas available at the grocery store. However, nothing can compare to making your own fresh salsa in your own kitchen. Try mingling the flavours together in a unique salsa by combining avocado, jicama, celery, red peppers, lime juice, and garlic. This salsa makes a great accompaniment to any burrito.
Along with the salsa, serve a south western potato salad alongside the burrito. Use a waxy variety of potato that has a thin skin and won’t fall apart once cooked. Slice up the potatoes and combine in a bowl with cooked fresh corn cut off the cob, onions, garlic, a bit of mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro.
South western cuisine doesn’t have to be hot and spicy. You can use mild chillis to add a distinctive flavour to any dish without overpowering it with too much heat. Try roasting the chilli’s to intensify the flavour even further. Or use chilli’s found in the grocery store, such as whole canned green chilli’s or whole fire roasted red and green chillies.
At the end of the meal serve a light dessert that won’t take away from the warm sensation your stomach will be experiencing after the burrito, salsa, and potato salad.
Fruit sprinkled with a bit of pineapple juice and sugar makes a nice ending.
Enjoy the many tastes of south western cooking by starting with the simplicity and great taste of the burrito.
