TAKE it 2 the TABLE: Sweet Savory Burritos & Dirty Rice -- 2 ½ dinners for the work of 1

(2 Main Dishes, 2 Sides)

(Serves a family of 4)

This burrito filling is a heavenly if unexpected combination!  It’s savory yet sweet, creamy with a crunch, tangy, smooth, and the beer & hot sauce can pack a punch.  Trust me; just try it.

SWEET SAVORY BURRITOS

6 Sweet Potatoes (to be Roasted)

        Non-Stick Spray

2 Onions (to be Caramelized*)

        A Splash of Olive Oil

2 Sweet Peppers

4 Tomatoes

1 28oz. Can of Black Beans (If you have teens, you might need a 15 oz. can TOO.)

        A Generous Splash of Beer (OR Water OR Veggie Broth OR White Wine)

        Oregano, Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Package Unsweetened Guacamole (Fresh or Frozen**)

2 Packages of Your Favorite Wraps

Your Favorite Un-sweetened Hot Sauce

DIRTY RICE

ALL Leftovers from the Burritos Save for the Sweet Potatoes & Guac.

2 cups of Whole Brown Rice

        4 cups of Water

1 12 oz. Can of (NON-GMO, low-salt, Unsweetened) Corn

Optionally: 1 14 oz. Can of Unsweetened Crushed Tomatoes

Chili Powder*** & Cumin to taste

BUSY NIGHT SIDES

½ of the cooked Rice

½ of the roasted Sweet Potatoes

MEAL ONE

1.  Prepare the whole brown rice.

        Stir the rice & water together in a pot & bring to a rolling boil.

        Stir again, cover & reduce heat to low.

        Simmer for 40 minutes.

        While that cooks…

2.  Cut the sweet potatoes into small bite-sized cubes.

        Place them in a single layer on a “greased” cookie sheet.

        Roast for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until soft

        through & through

        While that cooks…

3.  Cut the onions into squares or ½ rings.

        Sauté them in olive oil over medium high heat.

        *Contrary to the belief of a few people on the internet,

        caramelized onions are not made with sugar;

        the sweet golden brown sauce comes from the release of the onion’s own sugar.

        The secret is to stir them intermittently, with long periods of rest between.

        While that cooks…

4.  Cube the sweet peppers AND tomatoes & put them in separate bowls.

        Optionally: throw the peppers in with the onions at the end to

        warm & wilt them.

5.  Drain the black beans, and rinse them thoroughly with warm water.

        Move the onions to a bowl and use the same pan to simmer the black beans

        in a little liquid of your choice over medium heat – season, then stir often.

        While that cooks…

6.  Set out the guacamole & hot sauce, and warm ½ the wraps in the oven that is still warm, but now empty of sweet potatoes.

        **Guacamole freezes very well!  Make large batches next time avocados are in

        season and freeze them.  (Just mash avocados with a sprinkle of salt and a

        squeeze of lime – optionally: add chopped cilantro.)

7.  Set the brown rice aide to cool & to be put away with the dinner leftovers.

8.  Set out all of the “Sweet Savory Burrito” ingredients “make your own” style.  Scoop a small spoonful of every ingredient into your warm wrap, then roll and enjoy!

        Serve with healthy chips and a spinach salad.

MEAL TWO (preferably with a day between)

1.  Open and rinse the canned corn.

2.  Combine ½ of the pre-made brown rice with the canned corn and all of the burrito leftovers save the salad, sweet potatoes & guacamole, AND sprinkle lightly with cumin & liberally with chili powder.

        Optionally: Add a small can of crushed tomatoes.

*** You have to watch the ingredients in chili powder.  It sometimes contains malto-dextrin, wheat, sugar etc. among other unexpected ingredients.

3.  Heat the whole mixture in a heavy bottomed skillet, cast iron pan or large wok.  Serve.  (If you are in a terrible hurry, microwave the rice while the rest heats in the pan then add the rice to the pan.)

MEAL THREE (preferably with a day between)

1.  Pair the sweet potatoes, rice and salad with a quick cooking main dish like fish or pre-made veggie burgers.

NOTES:

The extra chips & guac. can become an appetizer or snack somewhere along the way.

While spinach is hardy, it is actually more practical to switch meals 2 & 3 so that the salad is not waiting in the fridge as long.

If you try this, let everyone know how you like it, or how you customized/improved it.  Happy eating.