Vegetarian Tostada Recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious vegetarian tostada recipe that you can customize to your taste. This recipe features crispy tostada shells topped with refried beans, fresh veggies, and optional garnishes.

Ingredients

• Tostada Shells: 12 baked tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
• Refried Beans: 1 batch of vegan refried beans (pinto or black beans)
• Veggies:
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup thinly sliced radishes
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Quick pickled red onions (optional)
• Extras:
• Lime wedges for squeezing
• Vegan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Refried Beans:

• If using canned beans, heat them in a saucepan. For homemade, cook pinto or black beans until soft, then mash with spices like cumin and garlic.

1. Make Tostada Shells:

• If making from tortillas, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush corn tortillas lightly with oil and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy.

1. Assemble the Tostadas:

• Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of refried beans on each tostada shell.
• Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, and avocado.
• Add jalapeños and pickled onions if desired.
• Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

1. Serve Immediately:

• Enjoy your customizable vegetarian tostadas right away for the best texture.

Tips

• Customization: Feel free to add other toppings like corn, black olives, or cheese alternatives based on your preferences.
• Meal Prep: You can prepare the refried beans and toppings in advance to save time during assembly.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a variety of flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Unique Vegan Toppings for Tostadas

When it comes to vegan tostadas, the toppings can be as creative and diverse as your taste buds allow. Here are some unique ideas to elevate your tostada game:

• Zesty Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a sweet and spicy topping.
• Roasted Beet Hummus: Spread a layer of vibrant beet hummus for a colorful and flavorful twist.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Roast chickpeas with spices until crispy for added crunch and protein.
• Spicy Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, and chili powder for a creamy, spicy drizzle.
• Pickled Vegetables: Use pickled carrots, radishes, or jalapeños to add tanginess and crunch.
• Grilled Pineapple: Add grilled pineapple slices for a sweet contrast to savory toppings.
• Cabbage Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with lime juice, cilantro, and spices for a refreshing slaw.

How to Make Crispy Tostada Shells at Home

Making crispy tostada shells at home is simple and requires just a few steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Tortillas: Brush both sides of corn tortillas lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Bake: Place the tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Alternatively, you can fry the tortillas in hot oil until crispy if you prefer a traditional method.

Creative Vegan Dips for Tostadas

Dips can enhance the flavor of your tostadas. Here are some creative vegan options:

• Avocado Salsa Verde: Blend avocados with tomatillos, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños for a creamy dip.
• Black Bean Dip: Puree black beans with garlic, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for a smooth dip.
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Combine roasted red peppers with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a smoky flavor.
• Chipotle Cashew Dip: Blend soaked cashews with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy and creamy dip.

Using Other Types of Beans Instead of Black Beans

Yes, you can use various types of beans instead of black beans for tostadas. Here are some alternatives:

• Pinto Beans: Creamy and flavorful; they can be mashed or used whole.
• Refried Pinto Beans: A classic choice that pairs well with many toppings.
• White Beans: Cannellini or navy beans can add a different texture and flavor profile.
• Chickpeas: Mashed chickpeas can provide a hearty base that is high in protein.

Popular Vegan Tostada Recipes

Here are some popular vegan tostada recipes that showcase the versatility of this dish:

1. Loaded Veggie Tostadas: Top with refried beans, sautéed veggies (like bell peppers and onions), avocado, and fresh salsa.
2. Chickpea Salad Tostadas: Use mashed chickpeas mixed with avocado, lemon juice, celery, and spices as a topping.
3. Mediterranean Tostadas: Layer hummus on the shell and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and vegan feta cheese.
4. Sweet Potato Tostadas: Roast sweet potatoes with spices and serve them on the tostada with black beans and avocado.

These recipes highlight the adaptability of tostadas while keeping them deliciously vegan-friendly!