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27 Comments · July 21, 2014

The Ultimate Vegan Protein Burrito

Name: The Ultimate Vegan Protein Burrito
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup white quinoa, thoroughly rinsed; 1 1/2 cups water; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 3 tablespoons hemp seeds; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 cups destemmed and chopped kale; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; Sea salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; Sea salt, to taste; 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled; 1 lime, juiced; Sea salt, to taste; 4 large sprouted-grain or gluten-free tortillas

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This ultimate vegan protein burrito packs a whopping 22 grams of protein, oodles of fiber, and plenty of other goodness, like healthy fats, omega-3s, vitamins, and trace minerals. Fluffy quinoa is tossed with black beans, hemp seeds, cilantro, and seasonings. The mixture gets tucked into sprouted tortillas along with massaged kale, pico de gallo, and guacamole to create a vegan burrito that is just as satisfying as it is nourishing.

It's hard to call something "the ultimate" but this protein burrito is certainly worthy of the title. With 22 grams of protein, oodles of fiber, and plenty of other goodness (i.e., healthy fats, omegas, vitamins, and minerals), this burrito takes the vegan cake.

One of the most common questions that I've received over the last four years as a vegetarian and (now) vegan has been, "Where do you get your protein?" I think I should just start saying "Plants!!!" because despite answering the question so many times, it still catches me off guard as I don't wholeheartedly rely on any one source of plant-based protein. I like to eat a wide variety to ensure that I'm getting all of the essential amino acids to replenish my body's protein in the most efficient way possible.

I'd say that my most common protein sources throughout any given week are beans, hemp seeds, almonds, cashews, kale, lentils, and quinoa. While tofu and meat substitutes are often protein-rich, I try to limit my intake of them since they tend to be more processed.

Regardless of your lifestyle choices, as long as you're eating a wide variety of plant-based foods, you're likely getting more than enough protein. That being said, it's always nice to find a guaranteed protein-rich, plant-based meal to mix into your recipe regimen, which is the very reason this burrito was created.

The main protein providers in this handheld meal are quinoa, black beans, hemp seeds, kale, avocado, tomatoes, and sprouted grain tortillas, all of which bring the grand total to a whopping 22 grams. Plus, the combination of quinoa, black beans, hemp seeds, and sprouted grain tortilla join forces to create one powerful set of complete proteins, meaning that, combined, they contain all of the essential amino acids and in the correct proportions to provide the body with an optimal protein source.

And did I mention that this protein-packed meal also tastes amazing? It's packed with flavor and texture and is so satisfying. This burrito will delight your tastebuds, replenish your protein reserves, and keep you fueled for hours. Ultimate? I'd say so.

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5 from 6 votes