We’re all looking for ways to cut back a little after the holidays. And this recipe from Melissa Guerra, of the fabulous store at Pearl by the same name, is a great way to help you do that. “Click here”:/markets/pearl/fat-free-tostadas/ to see Melissa making this recipe.
Melissa says, “My husband and I figured out a long time ago that factory made corn tortillas are great for making fat free tostadas. Their thickness is always even, as opposed to hand pressed tortillas. We place them on a rack in the oven, leaving the oven door open just a crack to let the humidity escape. Technically, I think we are dehydrating, and not toasting, but who is going to stop us? The tostadas have a nutty, roasted corn flavor, and are seriously crunchy.” Thanks Melissa!
Heat your oven to 350°F. Lay the tortillas directly on the oven rack, leaving the oven door slightly ajar. Make sure the rack is not positioned to close to the heating element. Adjust if necessary. Allow the tortillas to toast for about 5-7 minutes, then flip to the other side and toast for another 5 minutes, or until the tortillas have a light golden brown color, and are slightly curled on the edges. Remove the tostadas from the oven, and allow to cool slightly.
Spread 1/4 cup of the refried beans on each tortillas, then top with equal portions of chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and cotija cheese.
Serves 2
* Refried beans can be made quickly and without fat by emptying the contents of a 12 oz can of pinto beans into a saucepan, and simply mash. No oil or fat is necessary. You may choose to drain the excess liquid from the beans first, although the resulting refried beans will be a bit thicker. If you feel the beans are too thin from too much liquid, you can always simmer them for awhile, about 10 minutes, until some of the liquid has reduced. Refried beans are very forgiving and can be made thicker or thinner by adjusting the amount of liquid added. However, please don’t burn them, as it is that point they lose patience, and are no longer salvageable.
Ingredients
- 4 factory made corn tortillas, about 8″ in diameter
- 1 cup refried beans, warmed*
- 1 cup cooked shredded skinless chicken
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fat free sour cream
- 4 tsp crumbled Cotija cheese
- Your favorite salsa