burritos

The burrito is a dish from Mexican cuisine consisting of a large flour tortilla wrapped around a filling such as seasoned meat, beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables. It is typically served warm and eaten by hand. Variants include the breakfast burrito and the wet burrito.

Origin and spread: The burrito originated in Northern Mexico, where flour tortillas are common, and gained international popularity in the 20th century, especially in the United States southwest and California. The term burrito means “little donkey” in Spanish, though the name’s exact origin is uncertain.

Ingredients and fillings: Common fillings include beef, chicken, pork, beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Regional styles include the Sonoran burrito from Sonora with carne asada and sometimes cheese and pinto beans; the Mission burrito in San Francisco with large, multi-ingredient fillings; the California burrito with French fries; and breakfast burritos with eggs and potatoes.

Preparation and serving: The tortilla is warmed and filled, then folded or rolled to enclose the contents. Some versions are served with sauce or melted cheese on top (wet burrito). Burritos are often accompanied by salsa, guacamole, or crema.

Variations and regional distribution: In the United States, burritos have become widespread and are frequently adapted with local ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan versions are common. In Mexico, burritos are more typical in northern regions, while similar wraps appear in other areas with regional variations.