Tostadas With Smashed Black Beans or Vaqueros

Name: Tostadas With Smashed Black Beans or Vaqueros
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon grape seed oil or canola oil; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, ground; 4 cups simmered black beans or vaquero beans, with liquid; 3/4 pound ripe tomatoes, finely chopped; 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeno chiles (to taste), minced; 2 slices red or white onion, finely chopped and soaked for 5 minutes in water to cover, then drained, rinsed, and drained on paper towels; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (more to taste); 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (optional); 1 small ripe Hass avocado, cut in small dice; 23 to 3/4 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage; About 3 ounces queso fresco or feta for crumbling; 4 cups refried beans

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon grape seed oil or canola oil
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, ground
4 cups simmered black beans or vaquero beans, with liquid
3/4 pound ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1 to 2 serrano or jalapeno chiles (to taste), minced
2 slices red or white onion, finely chopped and soaked for 5 minutes in water to cover, then drained, rinsed, and drained on paper towels
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (more to taste)
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (optional)
1 small ripe Hass avocado, cut in small dice
23 to 3/4 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
About 3 ounces queso fresco or feta for crumbling
4 cups refried beans

1
Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pan (I use a heavy nonstick pan for this) and add cumin.
2
When it is sizzling, add beans with their liquid and turn up heat to medium-high.
3
Cook beans, mashing with the back of your spoon and stirring often, until they are thick but still fairly moist, about 10 to 15 minutes.
4
Remove from heat.
5
Every so often a layer of thick broth should begin to stick to the pan.
6
Stir that into the beans it has a lot of flavor.
7
The smashed beans will continue to dry even after you remove from the heat.
8
Toast the tortillas.
9
For really crisp tortillas, heat one at a time (2 if you have a large enough microwave to fit 2 without the tortillas overlapping) in a microwave for 1 minute on full power.
10
Flip tortilla over and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute more on full power, until crisp.
11
You can also toast them in a dry pan or directly over the flame, but this will not crisp the tortillas, it will just char them.
12
In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, chiles, onion, and cilantro.
13
Season to taste with salt.
14
Stir in lime juice and the avocado.
15
Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes for the best flavor.
16
Spread about 1/2 cup of the refried beans over each tortilla.
17
Top with a generous spoonful of salsa.
18
Place a handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage on top and if desired a little more salsa on the lettuce.
19
Sprinkle on some white cheese, and serve.

686

kcal

Calories

Fat

120

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon grape seed oil or canola oil, 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, ground, 4 cups simmered black beans or vaquero beans, with liquid, 3/4 pound ripe tomatoes, finely chopped, and more.

Yes, Tostadas With Smashed Black Beans or Vaqueros falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!