A burro is the Spanish word for donkey. The origins of the burrito is that a man from Chihuahua, Mexico named Juan Mendez would sell food in cart pulled by a donkey. He invented the food as a street food that could be held in your hand and eaten and he called it a burrito for "little donkey."
A burrito is a dish made with flour tortilla wrapped in a tube shape around various ingredients such as meats, cheese, sauces, beans, rice and veggies. After stuffing, the tortilla is lightly grilled or steamed.
Burritos can be eaten by hand, or with a fork and knife. Burritos can also be served covered in a sauce that is either savory or spicy.
Burritos are often filled with a combination of a protein, starch, vegetables, cheese and sauce.
Some of the popular proteins used in a burrito is beef, chicken, tofu or pork. The starch can be rice and/or beans. The vegetables are usually lettuce, tomatoes or onions. And the sauces are traditional Mexican sauces such as salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, or cream.
In New Mexico, Americans invented the very popular "Breakfast Burrito." This new culinary sensation began so that morning commuters had a handy pocket to eat their breakfast on the go.
This cookbook has a wide variety of burrito recipes, both traditional and inspired.