Healthy International Recipe: Guatemalan Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tostadas

Tostadas are a favorite food in Guatemala, best enjoyed in a large group of friends and family. Easy to assemble and endlessly personalizable, these tostadas lend themselves perfectly to entertaining. Usually fried, this recipe keeps the tortillas on the lighter side with a simple brush of heart healthy olive oil before toasting in the oven. The easy swap from refried beans to mashes black beans also lightens this recipe significantly, without sacrificing on flavor. The addition of sweet potatoes gives these tostadas a boost of fiber and vitamin A, which bolsters you eyes, skin, and immune system health. Set out all the fixings for these and let everyone make up their tostadas just the way they like them.

Sweet Potatoes – Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A pinch each of salt and black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
2. Slice the potato in ¼ inch slices, so you have even circles.
3. Spread the potato slices evenly on a sheet pan, and drizzle over the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast the potatoes until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Take them out and set aside on a plate.

Tostadas – Ingredients:

• 8 cold thin tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Brush the oil on both sides of each tortilla, then place them right on the oven rack and heat for 2-3 minutes, until the tortillas puff and are warmed through.
3. Set these aside while you fix the rest of your toppings.

Black Bean Mash – Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked black beans
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh lime juice to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, garlic, and a squeeze of the fresh lime juice, and mash everything together with a fork, making it as smooth or chunky as you like.
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper; adding a bit more lime juice if desired.

Quick Pickle Onions – Ingredients:

• 1 white onion, peeled and sliced into thin half moons
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients, and work them together with your hands. This will help the onions mellow and become more palatable. Set aside until serving.

Accompaniments:

• Ripe avocados, pitted and sliced
• Fresh cilantro, minced
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa
• Queso Seco (crumbling cheese)
• Fresh lime wedges
• Your favorite hot sauce

Directions:

1. To plate each tostada, spread a tablespoon or two of the black bean mixture evenly over the tortilla, then layer a few slices of the sweet potato, followed by the onions, salsa, tomatoes, sliced avocado, queso seco, and cilantro. Finish everything with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and enjoy!