Think of these as a hybrid mix of nachos and tostadas. This Mexican-style appetizer may be served hot or cold.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 cups cooked black beans
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 2 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
- Finely grated zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided use
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, preferably Hass, pitted and peeled
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 30 small round tortilla chips
- 3/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos
- 3 pale romaine lettuce leaves, thinly shredded
Preparation:
Mash the black beans to a coarse consistency with a spoon. Combine mashed black beans with garlic, tomatoes, lime zest, 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the cilantro, Tabasco sauce, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
Place avocado in a separate bowl and mash with 1 tablespoon lime juice and sour cream. Add salt to taste.
To serve tostada bites at room temperature, top each tortilla chip with 1 tablespoon bean mix, 1/4 teaspoon of the avocado mix, grated cheese, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
To serve the tostada bites hot, top each tortilla chip with bean mix and cheese. Arrange on a baking sheet and place into a preheated 350-degree F. oven for about 5 minutes. Remove to a serving tray and top with avocado mix, lettuce, and cilantro.
Yield: about 30 appetizers
Place avocado in a separate bowl and mash with 1 tablespoon lime juice and sour cream. Add salt to taste.
To serve tostada bites at room temperature, top each tortilla chip with 1 tablespoon bean mix, 1/4 teaspoon of the avocado mix, grated cheese, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
To serve the tostada bites hot, top each tortilla chip with bean mix and cheese. Arrange on a baking sheet and place into a preheated 350-degree F. oven for about 5 minutes. Remove to a serving tray and top with avocado mix, lettuce, and cilantro.
Yield: about 30 appetizers
