Welcome to My Kitchen: Black Bean Burritos

Summer is a great time to simplify when it comes to feeding the family.

Susan Ferris knows just how to put a quick and healthy meal on the table without working up a sweat.

Readers can watch her prepare Black Bean Burritos in a step-by-step audio slideshow on JournalStar.com.

If the dish doesn't sound like a crowd-pleaser, Ferris assures that it is - especially if you don't reveal what's in it.

If family members wrinkle their noses at spinach or black beans, don't let that stop you.

"They (spinach and beans) disappear into the smashed texture of this combination of ingredients and add a depth of flavor that is a hit with everyone I've served this to - and that's a lot of people," says Ferris.

"They won't ever know they've eaten spinach unless you tell them. When they ask what's in it - just say salsa."

This is a dish that is both fast and easy to prepare, and all of the ingredients are often on hand in the pantry.

"There are no additional spices or seasonings needed," says Ferris. "Just choose the spiciness of the salsa according to your family's tastes."

She has long forgotten her source for this recipe, but Ferris knows that it is a regular family favorite.

Her technique for defrosting the frozen spinach is worth trying.

Here's what to do:

Peel the paper off the package of frozen chopped spinach, place it on a plate, and cook it in the microwave until steam rises from the package, which signals that the spinach is cooked through. Place a second plate over the spinach, take the two plates with spinach in the middle over to the sink, tip upright and press the plates together to squeeze the water from the spinach. This works really well for draining the spinach and makes it easy to handle.

The secret here, Ferris reminds us, is to downplay the beans and spinach and promote the salsa. What they don't know will keep them asking for more.

Black Bean Burritos

1 pound hamburger

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 package frozen chopped spinach, drained

2 cups salsa

1 package flour tortillas

Sour cream

Brown hamburger in skillet. Drain and rinse beans and add to the skillet. Add the spinach.

Stir the salsa into the skillet, and mash with the back of the stirring spoon or fork.

Serve by spooning the mixture onto a tortilla. Top with sour cream. Roll, and it's ready to eat!

Makes 6 servings.

Optional: Add a can of drained corn or a small package of frozen corn.

Optional: Saute a chopped onion and/or a diced green pepper along with the hamburger before adding the beans and spinach.

Optional: Garnish with chopped tomatoes or grated cheese.

Reach Patty Beutler at 473-7307 or pbeutler@journalstar.com.