This is the recipe I make most often when Kiran's friends come over for dinner. It's easy, and very customizable so everyone can make their plates how they like.
Tostadas
Ingredients:
-- 1 package tostadas (I get mine from the mexican store Fresh is Best on Broadway)
-- 1 can black beans or pinto beans
-- 1/2 clove garlic
-- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
-- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
-- shredded extra old cheddar cheese, or other cheese of choice
Toppings:
-- diced tomato
-- shredded lettuce
-- sour cream
-- extra cheese
-- salt and pepper
-- Any other toppings you like? But kids generally only like the above toppings, I have found. Adults like salsa or other spicy sauce. Meat eaters typically enjoy adding shredded chicken but it's not absolutely necessary.
Instructions:
-- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
-- Make your "refried" beans by blending the beans together with the garlic, oregano, and cumin. Taste and make sure they taste good, add salt if necessary.
-- Sometimes I microwave the beans to make sure they will be hot before the next step. I'm not really sure if that is necessary.
-- Put 4-5 tostadas on a baking sheet. Ask everyone if they want beans and cheese, or just beans, or just cheese. Add a thin layer of beans and a regular layer of shredded cheese on each tostada, as desired. You would add the shredded chicken at this point if you are having that.
-- Bake the tostadas in the oven for a few minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-- Put each tostada on a plate and have each person add the toppings they like, including salt and pepper for the vegetables.
-- Enjoy!
