Food For Thought: Gluten Free Tostadas

I made these tostadas on Monday, and I am still dreaming about them.  They were super simple and on the table in less than 45 minutes.  I made extra so we would have leftovers, so this recipe can easily be cut in half.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Ground Beef
2 Packages of McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix
Corn Tortillas
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese
1 Can Black Beans
Pinch of Cumin
Salt and Pepper

Pico Ingredients:

1 Can (16 oz) Diced Tomatoes, undrained
Half of Small Onion
1 Garlic clove
1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro
1/2 tsp Salt

Brown the ground meat.  While the meat is browning, drain the black beans.  Add a pinch of cumin, salt and pepper to black beans and mash.  You can mash the beans with a fork or use a food processor.  I was in quick mode, so into the food processor everything went.  Once it is mashed, put on low heat.

When the meat is browned and drained, add the taco seasoning mix and water per directions and let simmer.  While the meat is simmering, assemble the pico.  Now here is where I should have paused the quick mode.  Instead of throwing all the ingredients for the pico into the food processor, I should have first thrown in the onion and garlic.  Then once they were chopped, add in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and seasonings.  Since I threw everything in together, mine was more of a salsa consistency.  It was still yummy, but I was going for a chunkier version.

Okay, so you have the meat and beans simmering and the pico/salsa complete.  Now it is time to make your tostada.  You can buy tostadas already made, but I had corn tortillas on hand so I thought I would give it a go and make my own.  I brushed each tortilla with extra virgin olive oil, then placed it on a hot griddle.  Right before flipping over the tortilla, I brushed the side facing up with olive oil and then flipped.  After two more minutes, I removed the tortillas and placed them on a plate.  Let the tortillas rest for a few minutes, this will allow them to firm up and be nice and crunchy.

Now it is time to assemble these yummy tostadas!!  Start with a thin layer of black beans, top with taco meat, then layer on the pico, cheese and sour cream.

Happy Friday to all and enjoy your weekend!!!

With much love,

Kristin