Gathering the Goods
Before diving into cooking, it's essential to gather the necessary ingredients. For this flavorful vegetarian fajita recipe, you'll need a can of black
beans (400g, drained), a small bunch of finely chopped coriander, flour tortillas (4 large or 8-12 small), sliced avocado or guacamole, and soured cream or crème fraîche (2 tbsp). The fajita mix requires one red and one yellow pepper, cut into strips; one tbsp of oil; a red onion, thinly wedged; a crushed garlic clove; ½ tsp each of chilli powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin; and the juice of one lime. With these ingredients ready, you are set to embark on a delightful culinary journey.
Crafting the Mix
The first step involves preparing the vibrant fajita mix. Start by taking a few strips from each colored pepper and chopping them finely; set these aside. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the remaining pepper strips and the onion until they soften and begin to brown around the edges. Then, incorporate the chopped raw peppers. Add the crushed garlic and cook for approximately one minute before adding the spices – chilli powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin – stirring until the spices become aromatic. Finish by adding half the lime juice and seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a dish, leaving any juices behind, to keep it warm.
Bean Brilliance
Next, turn your attention to the black beans. Add the drained black beans into the same pan you used for the fajita mix. Introduce the remaining lime juice and season the beans generously. Stir the beans to warm them through, allowing them to absorb the flavor of the fajita mix. Finally, stir in the finely chopped coriander, enhancing the freshness and overall appeal of the dish. The beans will add protein and a hearty texture, which will complement the flavors of the mix.
Warming the Wraps
While the fajita mix and beans are being prepared, warm the tortillas to make them pliable and ready for assembling. You can warm the tortillas in a microwave or a low oven until they're soft and easy to fold. Once warmed, wrap the tortillas to prevent them from drying out. The warm tortillas will provide the perfect base for the flavorful fillings, ensuring each bite is enjoyable.
Assembly and Serving
Now comes the exciting part: assembling the fajitas! Serve the warm tortillas alongside the fajita mix, black beans, sliced avocado or guacamole, and a dollop of soured cream or crème fraîche. This arrangement allows everyone to customize their own fajitas, adding the perfect amount of each ingredient to suit their taste. Offer a variety of toppings for a truly personalized and delightful experience.
Recipe Insights
For those cooking for younger children, serving the fajitas in bowl-shaped tortillas can make them easier for little hands to hold and enjoy. If you have leftover crème fraîche, there are several ways to use it: whisk it into hot sauces, stir it into pasta dishes, or add it to puddings and fruit for a touch of creaminess. This recipe offers a simple yet satisfying meal for everyone to enjoy, with customizable options and helpful tips for different needs.
