Avocado & Refried Bean Tostadas

Yield

Serves 4 (8 tostadas)

PART 1: Crispy Tostada Shells

Option 1: Store-Bought

• 8 prepared tostada shells

Option 2: Homemade (Recommended)

Ingredients

• 8 small corn tortillas

• Neutral oil spray or 2–3 tbsp oil

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Lightly brush or spray both sides of tortillas with oil.

3. Place directly on oven rack or on a baking sheet.

4. Bake 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

5. Sprinkle lightly with salt while warm.

Cool completely — they will crisp further as they cool.

PART 2: Creamy Refried Beans

Quick Version

• 2 cups canned refried beans

• 2–4 tbsp water or vegetable broth

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• Salt to taste

Warm in a saucepan and thin slightly for spreadable texture.

From Scratch Version

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pinto or black beans

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp chili powder

• ¼–½ cup vegetable broth

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté garlic 30 seconds.

3. Add beans and spices.

4. Mash with a potato masher while adding broth gradually.

5. Cook until thick but spreadable.

PART 3: Avocado Layer

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1–2 tbsp lime juice

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

Mash gently with a fork. Keep slightly chunky for texture.

PART 4: Fresh Toppings

Choose several for balance:

• Shredded lettuce

• Diced tomatoes

• Finely chopped red onion

• Fresh cilantro

• Crumbled queso fresco or vegan cheese

• Sliced jalapeños

• Corn kernels

• Pickled red onions

Optional Sauce (Highly Recommended)

Lime Crema

• ½ cup sour cream or vegan sour cream

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• Pinch salt

• 1–2 tbsp water to thin

Whisk until drizzle consistency.

Assembly

1. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on each tostada.

2. Add a layer of mashed avocado.

3. Sprinkle cheese (if using).

4. Add lettuce and vegetables.

5. Drizzle with lime crema.

6. Finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.