Tostadas de Frijoles y Queso (Bean and Cheese Tostadas)
Photos by Rey Lopez for The Washington Post; food styling by Nicola Justine Davis for The Washington Post
Tostadas were invented as a way to use up leftovers. Toasting or frying stale tortillas turns them crunchy and delicious. And then you can top them with other leftovers. Think of this simple recipe as a jumping-off point.
NOTE: If you do not have crema, you can substitute with sour cream: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tablespoon each of water and lime juice until well combined.
Storage Notes: Refrigerate leftover beans for up to 5 days.
Ingredients
One (15-ounce) can refried beans (black or pinto)
1/4 cup water, plus more as needed
6 tostada shells
1 cup (6 ounces) crumbled queso fresco or shredded mozzarella cheese
4 romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves, thinly sliced
Flesh of 1 large avocado, sliced
Mexican cream (crema) (may substitute with sour cream; see NOTE)
Hot sauce, such as sriracha, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Step 1
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the beans and water, and warm, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the beans are warm and spreadable, about 3 minutes. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Remove from the heat.
Step 2
Place the tostada shells on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Evenly divide the bean mixture among the shells, spreading into an even layer. Sprinkle the cheese evenly on top.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the tostadas are warmed through.
Step 3
Divide the tostadas among plates and top each with lettuce and avocado. Drizzle each with crema or sour cream and hot sauce, and serve with a lime wedge, if using.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 tostada, 1 tablespoon crema, 1 tablespoon sriracha)
Calories: 275; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Sodium: 736 mg; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 2 g; Protein: 11 g
This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.
