Marvelous Mexican Tostadas

A few weeks ago I took a solo trip to Maui. I was fortunate to visit some long time friends and to get some “me time” before turning the big “5-0”. WTH?! How is that I have been hanging out on this planet for that many years? There was much cooking, talk of plant-based eating and enjoying food and the beautiful nature of the island. My friend’s husband, Pete, made Mexican Tostadas one night, as they are super easy to “veganize”. They are leaning more that way in their eating. The deliciousness and speed at which they can be prepared, made me want to feature them here on my blog. If you need a dish that can be pulled together in a matter of minutes, this is it!

How to make Tostadas

Tostadas can be made so many ways! I used a can of refried beans adding some spices and onion. Next I added freshly made guacamole, tomatoes, cabbage, onion, cilantro, daiya cheese, and lime. These ingredients are all layered on top of an air-fried, baked or lightly pan fried corn tortilla. The tortilla becomes crispy and holds the toppings a bit like a pizza crust does.

You can easily modify this Marvelous Mexican Tostada recipe to use; baked sweet potato, kidney, black or white beans (partially mashed to help hold the toppings on), corn, jackfruit, sauerkraut, lettuce, jalapenos… You name it, the world is your oyster.

My whole family loves these. Tostadas are a familiar comfort food. They are also an easy way to consume more plants, without bringing attention to the fact that you are eating a “plant-based meal”! The best part is, everyone can customize the toppings according to their own taste buds. You can add sauces like salsa and vegan sour cream if you like, (easy 5 ingredient recipe here), or just keep them simple.

Benefits of legumes, (aka beans), in the diet:

Beans are: filling, high in antioxidants, very high in fiber, helpful in lowering blood cholesterol levels, may help protect against cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle diseases.

They contain protein, calcium, magnesium, folate and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Beans are also inexpensive and extremely handy! There are not that many products that come canned and are nutritious.

Here is a great link if you would like to learn more about the amazing benefits of beans!

Magnificent Mexican Tostadas

Print

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 6, 6" corn tortillas
• 1 can of refried beans, heated (spices and onions can be added if desired)
• 3 ripe avocados, mashed with finely diced onion, 1/2 lime squeezed, garlic (fresh or powdered), salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced cabbage or lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup plant-based cheese (optional)
• 1 lime, sliced

Instructions

1. Wash and cut avocados, then scoop out and place in a medium sized bowl.  Mash and add some finely diced onion, garlic (or garlic powder) and salt and pepper.  Squeeze in 1/2 a lime and stir. 
2. Open the can of refried beans.  Heat in a pan or microwave, adding spices and onion if desired. 
3. Wash and chop cabbage, onion, tomatoes and cilantro.  Place each ingredient in a separate bowl, or separately on the cutting board, if you are going for the "minimal dishes" plan!
4. Heat corn tortillas over low/medium heat until crispy.  Using a frying pan, air fryer or baking the tortillas, are all good options.  You can use a bit of oil if you like, or dry fry them.  (Tortillas will warp in the air fryer so it is a good idea to place something heat resistant over them, such as an upside down pottery bowl, to help them keep their shape.)
5. Once the tortillas are crispy, layer on the beans, then the guacamole, cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro and cheese (if using). Serve with a wedge of lime.
6. They are great with a side salad or extra tortilla chips for dipping in the extra guacamole and and salsa. 

 

                                                       www.thevibrantveggie.com

Notes

You can substitute the toppings with: baked sweet potato, kidney, black or white beans (partially mashed to help hold the toppings on), corn, jackfruit, sauerkraut, jalapenos… Really anything you like will work.