My Nana's Burrito Grande
When it comes to Mexican food, there are few dishes as satisfying and flavorful as a burrito grande. This large, stuffed tortilla is a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be found in countless restaurants across the country. However, for those lucky enough to have a talented cook in the family, there's nothing quite like a homemade burrito grande. That's where my nana comes in.
The Origin of My Nana's Burrito Grande
My nana, short for abuela or grandmother in Spanish, was born and raised in Mexico. She grew up learning how to cook traditional Mexican dishes from her own grandmother and mother. When she immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, she brought her love of Mexican food and cooking with her.
Over the years, my nana has become well-known in our family and community for her delicious burrito grande. Her recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and has become a cherished tradition in our family. Whenever we have a family gathering, you can bet that nana's burrito grande will be on the menu.
The Ingredients
So, what makes my nana's burrito grande so special? It all starts with the ingredients. Nana's recipe calls for a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients, including:
- Large flour tortillas
- Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken
- Refried beans
- Cilantro
- Lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Each ingredient is carefully selected and prepared to ensure maximum flavor and satisfaction. And of course, the secret ingredient is nana's love and care in every step of the cooking process.
The Cooking Process
Speaking of the cooking process, nana's burrito grande is not for the faint of heart. This dish requires patience, skill, and plenty of time in the kitchen. Here's a brief overview of the steps:
- Cook the meat: Nana seasons her ground beef or shreds her chicken and cooks it until it is fully cooked and browned.
- Heat the refried beans: Nana heats up a can of refried beans on the stove until they are hot and ready to be added to the burrito.
- Prepare the toppings: Nana chops up lettuce, cilantro, and tomatoes to be added to the burrito.
- Heat the tortillas: Nana heats up the tortillas on the stove or in the microwave until they are warm and pliable.
- Assemble the burrito: Nana spreads refried beans on the tortilla, adds a generous scoop of meat, and tops it with the lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Roll up the burrito: Nana carefully rolls up the tortilla, tucking in the sides to create a neat and tidy package.
- Bake the burrito: Nana places the burrito in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The end result is a large, overstuffed burrito that is packed with flavor and texture. It's a meal in itself and is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Conclusion
My nana's burrito grande is one of my favorite dishes of all time. It's comforting, filling, and bursting with flavor. Every bite is a taste of Mexico and a reminder of my family's rich culinary history. If you ever have the chance to try a homemade burrito grande, I highly recommend it. And if you're lucky enough to have a nana like mine, cherish her and her cooking forever.