Greek Tostada

Greek Tostada Recipe - Delicious Chicken and Garbanzo Bean Tostadas

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Greek Tostada is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with a Mexican twist. This recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and creamy hummus all piled high on a crispy toasted pita round.

History

The origins of the Greek Tostada are a fusion of Greek and Mexican culinary traditions. The combination of ingredients like chicken, feta cheese, and hummus with the crispy pita bread creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
0.25 tsp paprika
a dash of salt
a dash of freshly ground pepper
4 medium skinless and boneless chicken breasts
2 whole wheat pita bread rounds (4 inches in diameter), split and toasted
0.75 cup coarsely chopped tomato
0.5 cup chopped cucumber
0.5 medium-sized red onion, chopped
0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese

Hummus

1 can (15 oz or 425 g) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp water
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
0.13 tsp salt

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a broiler pan and brush each side with the olive oil mixture.
Broil the chicken about 4 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes or until the meat is tender and no longer pink, turning once.
Cool the chicken slightly, then coarsely chop it.
Make the hummus: Combine all hummus ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
To serve, spread the hummus over toasted pita halves and top with chicken, tomato, cucumber, red onions, and feta cheese.

Variations

Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Use different toppings such as olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure tender and juicy chicken, be sure not to overcook it while broiling.

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil mixture for a few hours before cooking.

- Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences - add olives, roasted red peppers, or tzatziki sauce for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Greek Tostada with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the chicken ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly, while blending the hummus ingredients creates a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pita chips or tortilla chips in place of the toasted pita rounds.

- Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella for the feta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the hummus and chop the vegetables ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the toppings in a colorful and appealing way on top of the hummus-covered pita rounds for a visually stunning presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Greek Tostada with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint lemonade for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply assemble the tostadas and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek Tostada contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek Tostada contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Fats

With the healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese, Greek Tostada provides a balanced source of fats for a well-rounded meal.

Proteins

Packed with protein from the chicken and garbanzo beans, Greek Tostada is a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and vitamin K from the cilantro.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pita bread), so be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Greek Tostada is a well-balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Greek Tostada is a delicious and nutritious meal option that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with a Mexican twist. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Greek Tostada. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and she always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.

As we sipped on our cups of strong Greek coffee, Maria pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages with a sense of nostalgia and landed on a page that was stained with olive oil and tomato sauce. "Ah, here it is," she exclaimed with a smile. "The recipe for Greek Tostada."

I leaned in closer, eager to learn the secrets behind this mouthwatering dish. Maria began to explain the ingredients and the steps involved in making it. She spoke with such passion and excitement that I couldn't help but feel inspired to try it out myself.

The key to the perfect Greek Tostada, according to Maria, was the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. She stressed the importance of using ripe tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant oregano. "It's all about the flavors coming together in perfect harmony," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

After jotting down the recipe in my notebook, I thanked Maria for sharing her culinary wisdom with me. I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking. As I walked back to my car, I could already taste the crispiness of the pita bread, the tanginess of the olives, and the creaminess of the tzatziki sauce.

When I arrived home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. I chopped the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with precision, savoring the colors and textures of each ingredient. The aroma of the fresh herbs filled my kitchen, transporting me back to Maria's cozy kitchen.

As I assembled the tostadas, layering the ingredients on top of the crispy pita bread, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The dish looked beautiful, like a work of art on a plate. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

When I took the first bite, I was transported to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. The flavors were bright and vibrant, each bite bursting with freshness and authenticity. The creamy feta cheese melted in my mouth, the juicy tomatoes danced on my taste buds, and the tangy olives added a punch of flavor.

I savored each bite, relishing in the memories of that warm summer day with Maria. I could almost hear the sounds of the bustling markets, the laughter of the locals, and the clinking of glasses filled with ouzo. It was a culinary journey that I would never forget.

From that day on, the recipe for Greek Tostada became a staple in my kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to Maria and the rich culinary traditions of Greece.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist and flair to it. I would sometimes swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese, or add a sprinkle of za'atar for an extra kick. But no matter how I tweaked it, the essence of the dish remained the same – a celebration of Greek flavors and memories.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic, lemon, and herbs, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Greek Tostada has become more than just a dish to me – it's a connection to my past, a tribute to Maria, and a celebration of the joys of cooking.

And as I take a bite of the freshly made tostada, I am reminded once again of that warm summer day with Maria, and the excitement that washed over me when I first saw the recipe. It's a memory that I will cherish forever, a story that I will pass down to future generations, and a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.