Name: Spicy Bean & Avocado Tostados Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 flour tortillas; 400g can refried beans; Big pinch cayenne pepper; 200g can kidney beans in water, rinsed; 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, quartered; 50g vegetarian cheddar; 1 green chilli, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, halved, stoned and sliced; Handful coriander leaves, to serve

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Introduction

These spicy bean and avocado tostados are a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any time of day. Crisp tortillas topped with a zesty bean mixture, melted vegetarian cheddar, fresh chili, and creamy avocado create a delicious and satisfying combination.

The image shows two small tortillas on a white plate with crispy edges and a slight golden brown color. Each tortilla has a layer of melted cheese with small chunks of cooked ground meat mixed with tiny pieces of tomato. On top, there are several slices of fresh green avocado and a small bunch of bright green cilantro leaves, adding a fresh, leafy texture. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, next to a folded yellow napkin and a small knife with a yellow handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 flour tortillas
400g can refried beans
Big pinch cayenne pepper
200g can kidney beans in water, rinsed
2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, quartered
50g vegetarian cheddar
1 green chilli, thinly sliced
1 avocado, halved, stoned and sliced
Handful coriander leaves, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the grill to medium-high. Place 2 tortillas on a large baking sheet and grill for 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the refried beans, cayenne pepper, kidney beans, and cherry tomatoes. Stir well to mix the flavors.
Step 3: Spread half of the bean mixture evenly over the grilled tortillas. Scatter half of the vegetarian cheddar and sliced green chilli on top.
Step 4: Return the tortillas to the grill and cook until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through.
Step 5: Remove the tostados from the grill and arrange on plates. Top each with half of the sliced avocado and garnish with coriander leaves.
Step 6: Repeat the grilling and topping process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

Use roasted or smoked paprika instead of cayenne for a milder, smoky flavor.
Swap vegetarian cheddar for vegan cheese if preferred, or use crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the avocado for extra brightness.
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving.

Storage

Store leftover tostados in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, place them under a grill or in a hot oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep tortillas crisp.

How to Serve

Two small round flatbreads on a white plate, each topped with layers starting with melted cheese and cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of tomato. On top of that, there are fresh green avocado slices and leafy cilantro arranged neatly. The plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a folded pale yellow cloth. A small knife with a yellow handle lies beside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Are refried beans actually fried?

No, refried beans are not fried. They are cooked pinto beans that have been mashed and simmered with spices and seasonings, making them a healthy and flavorful base for many dishes.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work well for tostados and add an authentic flavor. Just be sure to grill them gently as they can be more delicate than flour tortillas.