Dinner Inspirations: Pita Flauta

I just finished eating the best dinner, which was the same thought I had of the dinner the night before... and the one before that. Incredible, right?

As I was cleaning up the few dishes it took to create and serve, an idea formed: I should blog about these fantastic dishes! After all, who of us hasn't asked ourselves what we could make that would break the mold of the same rotated dishes month after month.

Cooking has been a passion, hobby, and joy for me well over 30 years. In the last ten of those years, I took it so far as to create a webcast, complete with a camera installed under the kitchen cabinet, and stream live to millions of viewers. The show is a grand hit, albeit only in my mind, but I have a lot of fun with it. (Before you try to search up this webcast, let me be candid and confess that the entire program exists only in the form of my imagination, though it doesn't stop me from airing an episode every single night.)

What did you make for dinner? I'm so glad you asked! I'll take this opportunity to recap today's broadcast for an easy recipe that takes very little effort to make and is budget conscious.

These simple ingredients are probably items that are kitchen staples you already have at hand. If not, easily and cheaply acquired.

1/4 C rice, cooked
1/2 lb ground beef
4 T tomato sauce
2 T salsa
2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 ripe tomato, diced
3 tsp vidalia onion, diced
1/4 C grated sharp cheddar cheese
4 whole wheat pitas

The first step is to start your rice. I use long grain because it's simple and tastes best to me. If the minute variety works for you, go for it.

While the rice is cooking, do your prep work by chopping the tomato and onion.

Next, brown your ground beef. Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, salsa, and lime juice. With a little luck, and the right timing, your rice should be done and ready to add to the ground beef mixture. Add cumin to the beef/rice mixture and stir. The smell of this dish will have anyone in your house with a nose inquiring about what smells so good, because let me tell you, it's a lovely aroma.

Cut your pitas in half, creating two pockets. I love that most of the local grocery stores offer whole wheat pitas because it allows you to sneak a healthy choice on the table without anyone blinking an eye.

Spoon the beef/rice mixture into each pocket, top with grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced onion (to taste), and diced tomatoes. Serve.

That's it! As simple as this dish sounds, it lacks nothing in flavor and will get rave reviews. It certainly tops meatloaf or hamburgers and takes very little effort.

I hope you try it, and then you'll have the opportunity to say, "That was the best dinner!"