Description
This easy and delicious tostada recipe features crunchy tostada shells topped with flavorful refried pinto beans, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, tangy queso fresco, and zesty garnishes for a vibrant and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 tostada shells
- 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnishes
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomato
- Diced red onion
- Pickled jalapeño slices
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic and heat oil: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook and mash the beans: Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and mash the beans with a fork or potato masher while cooking. Add a splash or two of water to achieve the desired creamy consistency and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Then, remove from heat.
- Warm tostada shells: Optional step: Warm the tostada shells in the oven following package instructions for enhanced crispness, or use them as is if they are ready to eat.
- Assemble beans on tostadas: Spread a generous amount of the prepared refried beans evenly onto each tostada shell.
- Add fresh toppings: Top each tostada with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and diced red onion for a fresh crunch.
- Add additional toppings: Place slices of fresh or pickled jalapeño, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over each tostada.
- Serve with garnishes: Serve the assembled tostadas alongside lime wedges and provide optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce for added flavor.
- Enjoy immediately: Eat the tostadas promptly to enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Warming tostada shells enhances their crispiness but is optional.
- Adjust seasoning of beans to taste as you cook.
- Add more or less water when mashing beans to control texture.
- Use fresh or pickled jalapeños depending on preferred heat level.
- Vegetarian recipe; to make vegan, substitute queso fresco and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain tostada crispiness.
