Tostada means toasted in English. Tostadas are also referred to tortillas that are toasted or deep-fried. It is usually flat or in a bowl shape and is enjoyed with a variety of Latin American cuisines such as salsa, beef or chicken taco, beans and plenty other traditional Latin America toppings.
In short, Tostadas is a messy Mexican open sandwich that is going to satisfy your Mexican cravings. It’s quite easy to do if you have the right ingredients, and it is a fun dish to have at family gatherings such as a baby shower or your kids’ birthday party.
Ingredients (serves 5 to 7 people):
- 15 corn tortillas
- Olive oil
- 4 cups of refried beans/ regular canned beans
- 2 avocados, smashed
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- Half a lime
- 1 jalapeno
- Fresh cilantro
- ½ head of iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounce of grated cheese, choose from Queso Fresco, Cheddar or Monterrey Jack
Preparation method:
- On medium heat, heat the refried beans in a pan until warm. If you are using regular canned kidney bean, drain the water from the beans, heat them in the pan and smash them while you are warming the beans up. You can add lard and a handful of cheese to flavour the beans. Turn the heat to the lowest possible to keep the beans warm while preparing your tostadas.
- Toast your tortillas in the oven for 10 minutes at 180̊c
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are golden brown. Use medium heat. Make sure you fry the tortillas one at a time and drain the oil using paper towel. Keep the fried tortillas in a low-temperature oven to keep them warm for serving.
- Start serving by placing warm tortilla, warm beans, avocado mash, salsa and cheese on your dining table. Your guests are welcome to make their tostada.
- Traditionally tostadas are made by spreading a spoonful of warm beans, avocado mash, salsa and cheese on the warm tortilla and eaten like a piece of pizza.
- Your guests are welcome to put as many toppings as they like however note that too many toppings might make it harder to consume. Have fun making your tostadas and eating at the same time with your guests!