Tostadas (Guatemalan Crispy Tortillas)

  • Total time - 30 minutes
  • Preparation - 20 minutes
  • Cooking time - 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Guatemala
Three Guatemalan tostadas with different toppings: one with guacamole, one with black beans, and one with tomato sauce.

The basis is always a crispy, well-fried tortilla. In Guatemala, they are often sold pre-made, but you can also make them at home. Frijoles volteados, a thick bean paste, is key to the authentic flavor. You can make all three types of tostadas, or choose your favorite topping. Serve them freshly prepared while the tortillas are crispy.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Tostadas

  • 8 pieces corn tortillas
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Ingredients for the Guacamole Topping

  • 2 pieces ripe avocados
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • salt

Ingredients for the Frijoles Volteados Topping

  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • salt

Ingredients for the Salsa de Tomate Topping

  • 2 pieces tomatoes, diced
  • 0.5 piece onion, diced
  • cilantro, chopped
  • salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Guacamole

In a bowl, mash the avocados with a fork. Add lime juice and salt and mix well. Season to taste and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Frijoles Volteados

Purée the cooked black beans until smooth with a little water. In a pan, heat the oil and add the puréed beans. Cook, stirring constantly, until they reach a thick, paste-like consistency (about 5-10 minutes). Set aside.

Krok 3: Preparing the Salsa de Tomate

In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add a little lime juice.

Step 4: Frying the Tortillas

In a pan, heat enough oil for frying. Fry the tortillas one by one on both sides until they are golden and crispy. Drain excess oil on a paper towel.

Step 5: Assembling and Serving

Spread a spoonful of your chosen topping on each crispy tortilla: guacamole, frijoles volteados, or salsa de tomate. Finally, you can add other ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped onion, or parsley. Serve immediately.