Friday, May 28, 2010

Bean Tostada

simple and good

Sometimes it doesn't need to be complex. Sometimes a dish that's simple, warm and filling is all that's needed to hit the spot.

I've long been a fan of bean tostadas. I grew up in Vista, which is in San Diego county. Vista, as well as the entire region, features a lot of really great Mexican fast food restaurants. On every street you can find a -bertos. Robertos, Hilbertos, Adalbertos and so on. So great! Greasy shredded beef tacos and bean tostadas topped with fresh tomatoes and lettuce were always my favortie.

The method below is so simple. You'll be feasting on yummy goodness in about 15 minutes!

Bean Tostada

Ingredients
1 can of refried beans
Corn tortillas
Monterey Jack cheese, grated
Cheddar Cheese, grated
Iceberg lettuce, chopped
Plum tomaotes, diced
Canola or vegetable oil

Directions
1. Heat a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. You just need enough oil to cover a tortilla.

2. Meanwhile, heat the frijoles in a small saucepan. (See notes)

3. Fry each tortilla to golden brown. Top with frijoles, jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and serve.

Notes
Sometimes I add a handful of diced onions to add flavor to the frijoles.

9 comments:

  1. Christian - I live in Oceanside, on the border with Vista and Bonsall, so I live in your old stomping grounds.

    SoCal is truly blessed with some of the best Mexican food around - I don't care what the Texans say!!! :>

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  2. Right on, Alan. It's hard for me to visit North County. I surfed the warm water jetty in front of the Encina power plant a few months back and was so depressed to get in the car and drive home. I really, really miss it down there.

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  3. .. and I went out for my first surf since Dec. at the Harbor this morning. Felt good to get back out, even if my arms aren't in any sort of paddling shape!

    I work 5 minutes away from D. Street in Encinitas, and usually surf there on my lunches (with only an hour lunch, I think of them as assault-surf sessions...)

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  4. In high school we spent a lot of time on either side of the south jetty. Good times?

    I love those quick strike, commando raids! Get some!

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  5. Any recommendations on brands for beans?

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  6. Hi Rusty! Good to see you again.

    I use Roasarita traditional refried beans. I like them with plenty of fat. ;)

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  7. I gotta do a 99 cent version for my blog - I forgot how good they are!

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  8. Thanks, chef! It's great how sometimes simple really hits the spot!

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  9. This is pure old school goodness. Tantalizing photo and great back story. Long live the mini tostada!

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