Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito

By Hklbrries

"With the rising cost of groceries, families are trying to make their hard-earned dollars go farther. Buying staples - as opposed to manufactured mixes - and using them in several different recipes is one way to reduce costa and yet provide a healthy meal for the entire family.

Of all the products on supermarket shelves, one of the most versatile is rice, a complex carbohydrate that is free of sodium, cholesterol and trans fat. It is also gluten-free, non-allergenic and easy to digest. Purchasing plain rice allows consumers to use the versatile grain in multiple recipes and is more cost-effective per serving. For example, a jar of RiceSelect's Texmati rice is 30 cents per serving whereas seasoned mixes can range from 60 cents to $1.20 per serving.

'One great time and money-saving tip, is to cook all of your rice for the week at once and store left-overs in the refrigerator," says Deborah Locke, product manager for RiceSelect. "The next time you are preparing a pilaf, casserole or rice salad, you are halfway there.'

September is Whole Grains Month, and numerous studies have shown that people who eat whole grains, such as brown rice, as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Eating whole grains may help regulate blood glucose levels in those with diabetes and studies also show people who consume more whole grains are better able to maintain a healthy weight. Plus, whole grains, like Texmati brown rice and RiceSelect's Royal Blends, make a great compliment to other healthy foods like vegetables and lean protein.

Rice tastes great as well, which makes it perfect for the whole family to enjoy. But when you head to the grocery store, don't just pick up any generic brand. Seek out a brand that you know was grown close to home.

Buying locally-grown food is becoming more and more important for consumers who are concerned about minimizing their carbon footprints. RiceSelect, for example, grows and packages all of its products here in the United States. And regardless of what you may have heard, there is currently an abundance of U.S. grown rice.

More than 100 recipes for the family to enjoy are available at www.riceselect.com. The recipes range from salads and side dishes to entrees and desserts."

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 3 cups cooked Texmati Brown Rice
• 1 (15- or 16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (11 ounce) can corn, drained
• 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 3/4 cup or 6 ounces shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 1/4 cup prepared salsa

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Saute 3 to 5 minutes until onion is tender. Add rice, beans and corn. Cook, stirring 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is thoroughly heated. Remove from the heat.

Spoon 1/2 cup of the rice mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top each with 2 tbsp cheese, 1 tbsp green onion and 1 tbsp yogurt. Roll the tortilla up and top with 1 tbsp salsa.