I've finally perfected a tasty and convenient chorizo breakfast burrito that doesn't cause me to gain weight.
The ingredients may vary, but usually are:
3.0 oz. chorizo sausage, diced
1 tsp. vegetable oil
onion, diced
green pepper or red pepper, diced
jalapeño, minced
1 egg, beaten
The important thing is that this is the filling for two burritos. I make one and save half of the filling for another later in the week.
It's also important to use very little oil (because of the calories, and the chorizo will release some fat as well) and a non-stick pan so the egg won't stick. Update: I put maybe 1 tsp. of canola oil in the cold pan and spread it around with paper towel. I've also perfected making this in a regular pan by using lower heat. It's a little tricky, but possible.
The basic problem is that a 7" Mission flour tortilla is 150 calories, more than twice the calories of a slice of Vermont Bread Company whole wheat or alfala sprout bread. The whole amount of filling above is 546 calories, but half plus the tortilla works out to 423 calories which is right in the target range for my breakfast.
In a sauté pan over medium heat add 1 tsp. vegetable oil and the onion and cook for a few minutes.
Add the peppers, jalapeño, and chorizo and cook for a several more minutes.
Update: I've switched to throwing everything in the pan at once and cooking on low heat for 10 minutes. I think this works better.
Slide the ingredients to the side then add the beaten egg. Tilt the pan slightly so the egg stays on its side and scramble. When almost done, mix the ingredients together so the egg is distributed through the filling.
When I go to make one later in the week I just take out my handy Pyrex container of filling and microwave it for 40 seconds. I wrap the tortilla in a damped clean kitchen towel and microwave for 45 seconds. The package says to use damp paper towels; I suppose that would work too.
It's a good idea to carefully scoop the filling out of the container rather than just dumping the contents of the container into the burrito. Or slip a piece of paper towel into the bottom of the container to soak up any excess liquid before dumping the container into the tortilla.
Before folding:
