Healthy Tostadas (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Perhaps many of you are wondering what a tostada is?

Living in the southwestern part of the U.S., tostadas are as ubiquitous here as clam chowder and lobster tail are to Maine.

Typically, tostadas are made by taking a corn tortilla and deep-frying it in oil until golden and crisp. It’s basically like a giant tortilla chip, only about four times the size.

Once you have your crunchy base, you can top it with just about anything you like, including meat, beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, avocado…the list is truly never-ending.

Cooking for a family of four is never easy, as we all have different tastes and allergies, but the one thing we ALL enjoy (and tolerate) is Mexican food! Given that fact, I can never go wrong by whipping up a batch of Spanish rice, Skinny Refried Beans, tostada shells, and a smorgasbord of toppings.

(I added a tablespoon of chia seeds to the above, so feel free to add that in to the recipe if you like.)

I’m always on a mission to give my family the healthiest food, so I avoid buying the store-bought corn tortillas because many of them are filled with gums and preservatives…

…and instead of deep-frying them, I use my Misto (cooking spray would work too) to spray a thin layer of olive oil onto each tortilla, and then I bake them until they are nice and crispy, saving calories and feelings of lethargy.

Over the years I’ve gotten really into making my own tortillas, so I’ve invested money in a tortilla press, which helps greatly in making the rounds equal size and thickness.

My whole family just loves these! Some topping ideas might include:

• beef or chicken
• your favorite beans
• brown rice
• lettuce or another leafy green
• chopped tomatoes
• shredded cheese (dairy or a vegan alternative)
• diced onions
• Homemade Salsa
• roasted corn
• roasted sweet potatoes
• cilantro
• olives (I like Kalamata, as they have more flavor)
• diced avocado
• sour cream (yogurt makes a great alternative)

Naturally gluten-free and easily made to accommodate whatever type of diet or allergies you have! You could even set up a ‘tostada buffet’ if you’re having a party for the Super Bowl, and everyone could easily serve themselves.

Are you watching the Super Bowl this weekend? What are your favorite types of cuisine?

Neither me nor my husband are big sports fans, so we’ll probably be indulging in some bad reality TV. 😀