One secret to cutting the meat in your diet is to add beans in its stead. Beans are high in protein and vitamins, and they are inexpensive, making them even more inviting. One easy recipe that uses beans is Tostadas, and with this basic how-to you can make these any way you please (these are great with meat as well!).
Here are the basic ingredients:
Corn Tortillas
Oil for frying
Cooked Pinto Beans or a can of refried beans***
Lettuce (we used spinach also)
Tomatoes
Red onions
Avocados
Shredded Cheese
Salsa
First you will need to heat the oil in a skillet and then fry the tortillas until they are golden brown. I make 2 per person, except for my hubby who will eat 3 or more:
Prepare the vegetables by chopping them and grate the cheese:
Now you simply assemble the ingredients in the following order:
One corn tortilla, a spoonful of beans, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, avocado, etc. They should look similar to the picture at the top of the post.
To eat them you simply lift the whole thing to your mouth with your hand, and take a bite and enjoy. Tostadas will probably be the crunchiest dinner you have served in a long time!
Happy eating!
***To make your own beans you need to buy a package of pinto beans. Sort through them to remove any rocks or odd-looking beans. Soak the beans overnight in a pan of water, and then rinse well in the morning. Place beans back in the pot and add water to cover by 2 inches. Simmer, covered, for approximately 2 hours, making sure the water level doesn't get too low. When the beans are soft, they are ready to use. (If the beans are too watery, you can simply pour off the excess before adding to your recipe.) They can also be frozen for later use.
