We’re wrapping up #NationalVegetarianWeek with… tortilla wraps. Large or mini, you’ll have a number from which to choose: white, wholemeal or seeded; coconut, sweet potato, brown rice, Paleo, nil-salt and gluten-free. Wraps are big business and the choice available to buy is wide.
Wraps vary in size depending on the region and dish they are used for, from around 6 centimetres to 30 centimetres. According to Mayan legends, tortillas were invented by a peasant for his hungry king, and the first tortillas discovered date back to approximately 10,000BC.
Don’t just wrap or roll, these circles are incredibly versatile. You can toast them, bake them, grill them, fry them. Here are some ways to make the most of your wraps you may not have known about.
The wheat or flour wrap comes from Mexico, and it’s a staple in a number of regional dishes. Depending how you fold them and cook them, your wraps can take you from burritos to enchiladas, quesadilla to tostadas. Stuff with fried onions and peppers, load with refried beans and cheese, or dip into guacamole and salsa for myriad Mexican munches.
Wraps make a great alternative to pizza bases. Simply top a wrap covered in any combination of your favourite toppings and bake it in the oven. Or substitute a wrap for a flatbread, brush it in melted butter and sprinkle in garlic salt, then bake or grill. Use instead of lasagne sheets to create an Italian dish with a twist.
Lightly toast them to dip them in sauces and chutneys for a low-fat snack. Toast them until they’re crispy then break into pieces for a healthy alternative to Poppadoms, crisps or tortilla chips.
You can also substitute ingredients for wraps in British dishes. Fold them round halloumi slices with mint sauce and a little ketchup for an alternative to a traditional sandwich. Spread your sauces across the wrap, add your toppings and roll. Or fold. Quarter and lay over a base dish instead of using mashed potato, or wrap around a filling and bake to create a mini-wellington.
For more National Vegetarian Week inspired meals have a read of some Halloumi ideas.
