Article written by Alex Rocklin and Rachel Wallis
The Tostada, a Mexican Mystery slathered in Beans and "Guac" (you always hated it when your mother used that term, but now you just can't help yourself)
Of course, it's really no mystery; a tasty treat here in Mexico is the
tostada, a fried tortilla smothered in refried beans, guacamole, and
usually topped with cabbage, radish, beets and salsa. They usually are
not enough for a meal, unless you have 5 or 6 of them, but, come on,
don't be shy. You can use canned beans or make your own refried beans
(it's easy, if misnamed). Just add some oil in a pan with cumin and
onions and garlic, then add your cooked beans, a cup at a time, and
some bean water, and mash or put it in the blender. It should take
about 10 to 15 minutes.
Guacamole, on the other hand, should be
approached with the utmost caution and delicacy. Being a minimalist is
a plus. Just spoon out your avocado in a bowl and squish it with a fork
(a spoon is more difficult, but worth it). Leave it lumpy. Don't put it
in the blender. Then add a bit of lime and some salt and pepper. That's
it. If you try too hard with guacamole it just leads to sadness. Now,
you're ready to make your tostadas.
The basics:
1/2 cup vegetable oil
corn tortillas (not flour, yuck!)
refried beans and
guacamole (see above)
sliced radishes
salsa
lime (sliced)
Heat oil in a skillet until it gets hot (as Rachel's mom likes to say,
you know your oil is ready when you flick in a little water and are
immediately burned or blinded).
Put in tortillas and fry.
Using day old
tortillas or ones that are a bit stale (ie dried out) are best, because
they will not absorb as much oil. You can actually buy very, very stale
tortillas in bags here, which are usually what are used. Drain oil by
placing fried tortillas on brown paper bags after they are crisp.
Another option, and one I am very fond of, is just dry frying the
tortillas (put them on a dry frying pan over high heat, turning
occasionally) until they are very crisp, five or 10 minutes. If you
don't like the grease, this is a good option.
Once your tortillas are
ready (however you choose to prepare them), smother them in beans and
guacamole, and top with salsa, radish, shredded lettuce, sour cream,
cheese (you can use good old American Cheddar, queso fresco, and even
parmesan isn't that bad) and serve with slices of lime.
