Refried bean tostada

A good friend has recently parted company with his girlfriend and he was coming round for dinner to commiserate. Now, this partner didn’t like spicy food, so how better to help him realise the pluses to this sad event than to help him remember the joys of spicy food. I know that some readers might think this is small comfort, however for me, I can content with Gipsy Spread's meat eating, however a dislike of chilli and spice would be a deal breaker! It was with this in mind and the many corn tortillas in the freezer that I set about making him a Mexican feast for his dinner. This included tacos, bean tostadas using the larger corn tortillas, a radish salad and of course the ubiquitous guacamole and salsa.


I had contemplated using these naga bhut jolokia dried chillies that I recently picked up in Borough market. I thought however that this might be too much too soon for him. I heeded the warning that these should be 'handled with care'!

 

What you will need

3 tins of kidney beans

1 tablespoon of tomato puree
2 tea spoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of chilli powder
1 teaspoon of ground cloves
2-3 green chillies
Crispy iceberg or little gem lettuce
Cheddar
Guacamole
Salsa
A handful radishes

8 tostada corn tortillas

 

 

Fristly prepare the refried beans by adding the drained tins of kidney beans with all the spices, some salt, the chopped green chillies and tomato puree. Add a little but of water (c50ml) and heat through for a 5-6 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced. Take a potato masher to the beans to mash them up slightly. Then set aside.

 

 

Next make the guacamole and salsa. Grate enough cheddar for four people and slice the lettuce and radishes. Put everything aside and crisp up the tortillas for 4-5 minutes in a pre-heated oven or via frying.

 

 

When ready to serve, reheat the beans and bring all the dishes to the dinner table.

 

 

Start with the beans and spread on top of the tortilla. Next layer up the lettuce and radishes, then salsa and guacamole, then finally the cheddar (or mix it upyour way). This is a messy dish, eat with your hands and enjoy!