Belizean Tostadas Recipe

Belizean tostadas are crunchy, a little messy, and always delightful.

A great combination of flavors: spice from the Belizean Curtido, creaminess from the cheese and sour cream, freshness from vegetables, fullness from the shredded chicken with recado, and crunch from the chip. Delicious.

Tostadas and Garnaches share the same base but are very different in flavor and robustness. Belizean Tostadas are a close cousin of Salbutes, and the chip is a major difference.

Belizean Tostadas Recipe

A tostada is actually an assembly of four other Belizean recipes:

1. Fried Corn Tortillas for the Tostatda shell
2. Red Recado Stewed Chicken
3. Belizean Stewed Beans
4. Belizean Style Curtido

Belizean Tostadas Toppings Ingredients

• Your choice of shredded cheese
• Chopped lettuce
• Salsa or pico de Gallo (chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime)
• Sour Cream

Full list of Ingredients (4 servings):

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or your choice of protein)
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup grated cheese (queso fresco, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Hot sauce, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Belizean Tostadas Assembly Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tostada Shells:
   • In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Gently fry the tortillas one at a time until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them if needed.
   • Place the fried tortillas on paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Assemble the Tostadas:
   • Spread a generous layer of refried beans onto each crispy tortilla shell.
3. Add the Toppings:
   • Layer on the shredded chicken, creating a delicious base for the toppings.
4. Create a Flavorful Medley:
   • Sprinkle diced tomatoes and onions over the chicken, adding a burst of freshness to the tostadas.
5. Enhance with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over each tostada, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the other ingredients.
6. Finish with Freshness:
   • Top the tostadas with shredded lettuce and chopped cilantro for a vibrant and crisp contrast.
7. Drizzle and Season:
   • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tostadas to enhance the flavors.
   • Drizzle sour cream over the toppings for creaminess.
8. Add Some Kick:
   • For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.
9. Season to Perfection:
   • Season the tostadas with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Arrange the Belizean Tostadas on a serving platter and invite everyone to dig in.

Serving Suggestion: Belizean Tostadas are versatile dishes that can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack or served as a meal. Pair them with a refreshing fruit drink, such as agua fresca or tropical juice, to complete the experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Tostada):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 6g Sugar: 3g

Notes:

• Fried tortilla shells are easy to find in grocery stores already fried if you want to skip a step but nothing compares to freshly fried tortillas.
• Customize the toppings according to your preferences. You can add diced avocado, pickled red onions, or even sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Be creative with your protein choices—try shredded pork, grilled shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a delightful twist.