Mexican pizza, or the case of the spicy pancakes

The story: This recipe is a variation of an old stand by of mine, beans and rice. Unlike some versions of the dish, which tend to be just what it sounds like, my beans and rice tend to be a bit more complicated. I spend a couple of years cooking this every so often and by this point I think I've worked it out pretty well. This particular variation was more of a spur of the moment, saw an ingredient I liked at the store, kind of thing. The Mexican pizza variation was my first attempt at this and it's likely that I'll come back later and alter this blog with the little things that will make it a better dish.


The dish: Mexican pizza

1 can of black beans
1 medium Spanish onion
1-2 plum tomatoes
1 medium carrot
1/2 pound package of frozen spinach
3-4 dashes of red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp of fresh or powdered garlic
3-5 slices of Cheddar cheese or equal amount of shredded cheese
bottled jalapeño slices optional but good

1 package of corn tortillas
1 cup of white or yellow rice


As always the first thing to start with is the water boiling. In case you don't make rice very often its 2 cups of water to the one cup of rice. While you're waiting for the rice, heat up a good sized pan sprayed with oil. When the oil had reached a high temperature toss in the chopped up onion and let it soften and brown up. After the onion has cooked for 3-4 minutes, mix in the defrosted spinach and stir. While that is cooking, peel the carrot. Once the outer skin is peeled, continue peeling it into the pan. This will make the carrots cook quicker and be more tender. Next comes the beans. Drain most of the liquid in the can, and pour the beans into the pan. Stir the beans, and let them cook. Pour about 1/2 cup or so of water or vegetable broth as well as the vinegar. It helps to smush up some of the beans, the starch from the beans with help thicken the mixture. Lower the heat to a simmer, and let the pan sit for 5-7 minutes.

While the beans are simmering, take the corn tortillas and lightly spray them with oil. Lightly toast them in the oven or in a toaster oven. Layer the tortillas, beans, and rice. Then place the cheese on top and let it melt. A little hot sauce and a dollop of sour cream and Viola!

Eat and enjoy!