When I was a kid in Mexico, Tostadas would make an appearance at the lunch or supper table at least once a week. They were also a favourite item for birthday parties or get-togethers, because they are super easy to assemble, and everyone likes them. Best of all, your guests can build their own with their favourite toppings.
It is not a surprise that in my household, whenever there is leftover chicken, Tostadas end up on my plate (if you have leftover rotisserie chicken, then this is the perfect vehicle for that!). I usually have tortillas and beans in the fridge, and the toppings can be anything you like, from the customary fresh lettuce, tomato and avocado with the crumbly cotija and crema, but you can also make a warm tostada with melted cheese instead of cotija. If you don’t have chicken, you can use leftover steak (search for that recipe here in the blog) - you get the picture, Tostadas are a vehicle for delicious bits of (leftover or freshly prepared) food. One thing though, always serve them with salsa or pico de gallo and crema, whether you go for the fresh toppings or the gooey, melted cheese.
Now that we sorted out the toppings, let’s talk about the tostada itself. You can buy commercial tostadas, which are very convenient since they’re ready to go. But if you don’t happen to have those available, toasting your own tortillas is very easy. Simply put them on a comal over medium low heat and warm up, turning often, until completely crispy. If you prefer, you can fry them in hot oil, turning every few seconds, until crispy. The dry toasting yields a drier, crunchier tortilla, while the fried tortilla is moister. So you decide which method you like, they are both delicious!
Next time you find yourself wondering what to make for dinner, make some tostadas. Your family will love them!
TOSTADAS DE POLLO
Chicken Tostadas
2 chicken breasts, poached and shredded finely
2 cups refried beans
1 large tomato, diced
1 large avocado, diced
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup crumbled cotija or Feta cheese, or grated Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup crema, crème fraîche or sour cream
Salsa of your choice
8 commercial tostadas or tortillas that have been fried until crispy
Warm tostadas in the oven for a couple of minutes.
Spread warm beans on each tostada.
Top with chicken and garnish with tomato, avocado, lettuce, cheese, crema and salsa.
Serve immediately.
Serves 4.