Bean Tostadas

Bean tostadas are a great way to use up leftover beans...

This recipe is a bit heavy with cheese...we do love cheese at our house. I try to balance it out with extra light meals the rest of the week. More later on the topic of balance and good eating habits.

Now, back to bean tostadas...actually this version is sort of a cross between quesadillas and tostadas.

Bean Tostadas

Ingredients:

leftover beans, drained - reserve liquid
little bit of bean liquid (or water if using canned)
chili powder
olive oil (if using canned beans with no fat)
shredded cheese
chopped tomatoes
shredded lettuce
corn tortillas

Steps:

1. In a skillet, mash and cook the beans (with a little olive oil if needed) adding liquid as needed to make a nice paste of medium consistency. Add a bit of chili powder to taste. Set aside.

2. Sprinkle a tortilla with some cheese and cover it with another tortilla. Brush a clean skillet with a small amount of oil and place the tortilla "sandwich" in skillet. Fry at medium heat until slightly browned, turn and fry the other side - sort of like a grilled cheese sandwich. Make as many of these quesadillas as you need.

3. To serve, place a quesadilla on a plate. Spread some bean paste over it. Top with more cheese if you like, salsa (I used store bought), tomatoes, lettuce, even a dollop of sour cream if you like. (I do). Yum.