Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe

This recipe for Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa infuses classic Mexican flavors into a delightful and zesty dish. The homemade tomatillo salsa is fresh, tangy, and the perfect complement to the earthy black beans, all served atop a crispy tostada. This dish is not only flavorful but also healthy, vegetarian-friendly, and easy to whip up for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Photos of Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Two of the key ingredients in this recipe that may not be readily available in every home are tomatillos and black beans. Tomatillos, also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, are small, round fruits encased in a papery husk. They have a bright, acidic flavor that is perfect for salsa and sauces. Black beans, a staple in Latin cuisine, are rich in protein and fiber. Both of these ingredients can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Tostadas and Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa

Tomatillos: These are the key ingredient for the salsa, known for their vibrant, tangy flavor.

Shallot: Adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor to the salsa.

Garlic cloves: This is a common ingredient in salsa, adding a zesty kick.

Jalapeno: For the heat in the salsa, adjust according to your preference.

Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to the salsa.

Lime: A squeeze of lime juice adds a fresh tanginess to the salsa.

Black beans: These beans add a creamy texture and rich flavor to both the salsa and tostada.

Corn tortillas: This will be the base of your tostada, which when baked becomes crispy.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the black beans and for brushing the tortillas before baking.

Hot sauce: Adds an extra kick to the black beans.

Red pepper flakes: For additional heat, can be adjusted according to preference.

One reader, Humphrey Bradbury says:

The tostadas with tomatillo black bean salsa recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are vibrant and the salsa adds a zesty kick. The crispy tortillas perfectly complement the savory black bean mixture. It's a delightful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Humphrey Bradbury

Techniques Required for Making Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa

How to prepare tomatillo black bean salsa: Combine tomatillos, shallot, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and black beans in a medium bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and let the salsa rest for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

How to make tostadas: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray or brush corn tortillas with cooking spray or olive oil and bake for 8 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add black beans and their cooking liquid, then mix in hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Mash the beans with a potato masher until they reach the desired consistency. Spread the bean mixture over the baked tortillas and top with tomatillo salsa and additional toppings.

How To Make Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Have a filling meal with these baked tostadas recipe, topped with a black bean salsa that combines the flavors of tomatillo, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa:

1lbtomatillos,chopped, about 2 heaping cups
1small shallot,an entire bulb, finely chopped
3garlic cloves,minced
1jalapeño,seeded and minced
½cupcilantro,chopped
1small lime,juiced
1cupblack beans,cooked, rinsed and drained
salt and black pepper,to taste

For Tostadas:

8corn tortillas,use 100% corn to ensure crispiness
cooking spray,or additional olive oil
1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
30ozblack beans,2 cans, or 3 cups cooked black beans, cooking liquid reserved
hot sauce,of choice
red pepper flakes,optional

Instructions

Salsa:

In a medium bowl, combine all of the prepared ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (more lime juice, salt, and pepper, etc.).
Cover the salsa and let it rest for at least 30 minutes in order for the flavors to meld and the beans to soak up the surrounding flavors.

Tostadas:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray each tortilla with cooking spray on both sides or brush them lightly with olive oil.
Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until golden and crispy.
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add black beans and their cooking liquid, and mix in some hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
Mash the mixture with a potato masher for five minutes or longer, until the beans have reduced to the desired consistency.
Spread bean mixture evenly over each tortilla and top with tomatillo salsa. Finish with selected toppings.

Recipe Notes

For Toppings:

feta cheese, crumbled, highly recommended
avocado, diced
sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
red pepper flakes
cilantro

Nutrition

Calories: 753.04kcal
Fat: 9.74g
Saturated Fat: 1.43g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.01g
Carbohydrates: 131.40g
Fiber: 31.25g
Sugar: 7.74g
Protein: 40.63g
Sodium: 719.01mg
Calcium: 258.94mg
Potassium: 2905.59mg
Iron: 9.89mg
Vitamin A: 10.70µg
Vitamin C: 15.41mg

Mastering the Art of Tostada Making: A Technique Tip

When preparing the tostadas, keep an eye on them while they're in the oven. They can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds. Also, for a smoother bean spread, you can use a blender or food processor instead of a potato masher. Just be sure to add a little bit of the cooking liquid at a time to achieve the desired consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tostadas

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the ingredients for the tomatillo black bean salsa in advance to save time when assembling the tostadas.

Canned beans: Use canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch to cut down on preparation time.

Multi-task: While the tostadas are baking, prepare the tomatillo black bean salsa to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Store-bought tostadas: Consider using store-bought tostadas instead of making them from scratch for a quicker meal preparation.

Efficient assembly: Set up a workstation with all the ingredients and toppings ready to streamline the tostada assembly process.

Leftover makeover: Repurpose any leftover tomatillo black bean salsa as a flavorful topping for other dishes, such as grilled chicken or fish.

Substitute Ingredients For Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe

tomatillos - Substitute with green tomatoes: Green tomatoes can provide a similar tangy and slightly tart flavor to tomatillos, making them a suitable substitute in the salsa.
shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a slightly stronger flavor and a hint of sweetness to the salsa.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor profile.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapenos, offering a similar level of heat and flavor to the salsa.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salsa.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime, providing a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the salsa.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor to the salsa.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for corn tortillas, providing a softer texture and neutral flavor for the tostadas.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra-virgin olive oil, offering a similar richness and mild flavor for cooking the tostadas.
hot sauce - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for hot sauce, providing heat and spice to the tostadas.

Elevate Your Tostadas: Presentation Tips

Elevate the tostadas: Carefully arrange the baked tostadas on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Artfully spoon the tomatillo black bean salsa: Use a spoon to delicately place the tomatillo black bean salsa on top of the tostadas, ensuring an even distribution and an attractive presentation.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the tostadas to add a pop of vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Drizzle with a touch of olive oil: Use a steady hand to drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the tostadas, adding a touch of richness and elegance to the dish.
Add a dash of red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the tostadas for a hint of heat and a visually striking element.
Serve with a lime wedge: Place a small wedge of lime on the side of the plate to add a citrusy brightness and a visually appealing accent to the dish.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace simplicity and allow the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients to take center stage, creating an elegant and visually stunning presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tostadas

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, often available in various sizes.
Pot: A cooking vessel typically used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
Potato masher: A kitchen tool used to mash cooked vegetables or legumes.
Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
Citrus juicer: A tool designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges.
Olive oil dispenser: A container used for dispensing olive oil while cooking or dressing dishes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.

Storing and Freezing Tostadas for Later Enjoyment

To store leftover tostadas, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store the tomatillo black bean salsa separately, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tostadas and salsa separately:
- Wrap the cooled tostadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Transfer the salsa to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen tostadas, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Thaw frozen salsa in the refrigerator overnight before using. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur during storage.

How To Reheat Leftover Tostadas

To reheat leftover tostadas in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tostadas on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the tostadas in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 30-45 seconds. If the tostadas are not heated through after this time, continue heating them in 15-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature. Note that microwaving may cause the tostadas to lose some of their crispiness.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the tostadas in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the tostadas in the basket. Heat them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.
If you have leftover tomatillo black bean salsa, reheat it separately in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir the salsa occasionally until it is heated through. You can also reheat the salsa in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until it reaches the desired temperature.
Once the tostadas and salsa are heated, assemble them by spreading the warm salsa over the crispy tostadas. Add any additional toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, as desired.
If you find that the tostadas have become slightly soggy after reheating, you can place them under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp them up again. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Interesting Trivia About Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa

The tomatillo black bean salsa in this recipe is a great source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. The tomatillos are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the black beans provide a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber. This combination makes the tostadas with tomatillo black bean salsa a nutritious and delicious meal option.

Budget-Friendly Tostadas: Is This Recipe Economical?

This tostadas with tomatillo black bean salsa recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as tomatillos, black beans, and corn tortillas, are affordable and widely available. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations based on budget and preference. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.

Are Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Healthy?

The tostadas with tomatillo black bean salsa recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's healthiness:

Positives:

Black beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
Tomatillos and cilantro provide vitamin C and antioxidants
Garlic and jalapeno offer anti-inflammatory properties and boost the immune system
Corn tortillas are a whole grain option and provide fiber

Negatives:

The recipe lacks a significant source of healthy fats, which are essential for nutrient absorption and satiety
Depending on the amount of salt and hot sauce used, the sodium content could be high
The recipe does not include a wide variety of vegetables, which would provide additional nutrients and fiber

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Add sliced avocado or a drizzle of olive oil to increase the healthy fat content
Incorporate additional vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, or lettuce to boost the nutrient profile and add crunch
Use low-sodium black beans and be mindful of the amount of added salt to reduce the overall sodium content
Opt for whole grain or sprouted corn tortillas for an extra nutritional boost
Serve the tostadas with a side salad or slaw to increase the vegetable intake and add a fresh, light element to the meal

Editor's Take on This Delightful Tostada Recipe

The tomatillo black bean salsa recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and zesty flavors. The tomatillo, shallot, and jalapeno create a vibrant salsa, while the black beans add a hearty and satisfying element. The tostadas provide a crispy base for the flavorful toppings. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a versatile and delicious dish for any occasion.

Enhance Your Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, red onions, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing side dish.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Serve up some charred and smoky grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and a drizzle of melted butter for a delicious accompaniment to the tostadas.

Mango Salsa: Whip up a vibrant mango salsa with diced mangoes, red bell peppers, red onions, and a hint of fresh cilantro for a sweet and tangy side dish.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Prepare a fragrant cilantro lime rice with fluffy long-grain rice, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of zesty lime juice to complement the tostadas.

Discover Similar Recipes to Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Marinate the shrimp in a spicy seasoning blend, grill until cooked through, and serve in warm tortillas with a refreshing mango salsa and a drizzle of chipotle aioli.

Mango Avocado Salad: Toss together ripe mango, creamy avocado, red onion, and fresh cilantro with a zesty lime vinaigrette for a light and refreshing salad that's perfect for a summer day.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Slow-cook a pork shoulder in a tangy BBQ sauce until it's fall-apart tender, then pile it onto slider buns with a crunchy coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Tostadas

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Bruschetta: Elevate the classic bruschetta by topping grilled bread with a flavorful combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This refreshing and light appetizer is perfect for any occasion.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet, juicy strawberries on a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a drizzle of strawberry coulis for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, creating a vibrant and satisfying dish. The tomatillos and black beans provide a nutritious and hearty base, while the addition of jalapeno and cilantro infuses the salsa with a zesty kick. The tostadas, baked to golden perfection, offer a satisfying crunch. The use of extra-virgin olive oil and lime juice enhances the overall freshness and depth of flavors. With the careful balance of seasonings and the option to customize toppings, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.

Have you tried this Tostadas with Tomatillo Black Bean Salsa Recipe? Share your experience, tips, or any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use canned tomatillos for the salsa?

Yes, you can use canned tomatillos if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain them well before using in the salsa.

How long can I store the tomatillo black bean salsa?

The salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Can I make the tostadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once they have cooled. The bean mixture and salsa can also be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving.

Can I customize the toppings for the tostadas?

Absolutely! You can add a variety of toppings such as diced avocado, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, or a dollop of sour cream to suit your taste.

Can I make the black bean mixture without mashing the beans?

Yes, you can leave the beans whole if you prefer a chunkier texture. Simply warm them through in the skillet and season them to your liking before assembling the tostadas.