Tostada Pizza

Tostada Pizza Recipe - A unique blend of Mexican and Italian cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tostada Pizza is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, combining the flavors of a tostada with the convenience of a pizza. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of Tostada Pizza are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been created in the United States as a way to combine the flavors of traditional Mexican tostadas with the convenience of a pizza. This unique dish has since become a popular choice for those looking for a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza.

Ingredients

1.25 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cups milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1.75 oz (50 g) taco seasoning mix
1 can refried beans
1 cup shredded american cheese
8 oz (227 g) taco sauce
4 oz (113 g) chopped green chiles
0.5 cups chopped onion
0.5 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup shredded lettuce (hopefully at bargain prices)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and oil.
Stir the mixture until it cleans the sides of the bowl.
Press the mixture into a ball.
Knead the mixture in the bowl 10 times.
Roll the mixture on a lightly floured board to a 13-inch circle.
Place the rolled mixture on a pizza pan or baking sheet.
Turn up the edges and pinch them.
Bake the mixture for 5 minutes.
Prepare the ground beef according to the recommendations on your seasoning mix.
Spread the beans over the crust.
Top the crust with the meat mixture.
Sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Top the pizza with taco sauce, chiles, onion, tomato, and shredded lettuce.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add black beans, corn, or jalapenos for extra flavor.
Top with avocado slices or cilantro for a fresh twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to preheat your oven before starting to ensure that it is hot enough to properly cook the crust.

- Kneading the dough 10 times helps to develop the gluten and create a chewy crust.

- Don't overdo it with the toppings - too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and difficult to eat.

- Be creative with your toppings - feel free to add your favorite ingredients to customize your Tostada Pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tostada Pizza with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. Pair it with a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure a crispy crust.

- Roll out the dough evenly for a uniform pizza.

- Layer the toppings evenly to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.

- Substitute cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.

- Use salsa or enchilada sauce instead of taco sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time and assemble just before baking.

- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapenos for a pop of color. - Serve on a colorful platter for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink.

- Serve with a side of Mexican street corn or chips and salsa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tostada Pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Milk, Wheat

Summary

Tostada Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Tostada Pizza is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, combining the flavors of a tostada with the convenience of a pizza. With a crispy crust, savory toppings, and a burst of fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for a cooking demonstration. Maria was known for her delicious Mexican dishes, and I was eager to learn some new recipes from her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and led me to the kitchen counter where she had all the ingredients laid out for our cooking session.

"Today, we are going to make a special dish called Tostada Pizza," Maria announced. I had never heard of this dish before, but I was excited to learn something new. Maria explained that Tostada Pizza was a fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, combining the crispy texture of a tostada with the gooey goodness of a pizza.

We started by making the tostada base using corn tortillas. Maria showed me how to fry the tortillas until they were golden and crispy, and then we topped them with refried beans, salsa, cheese, and whatever toppings we desired. It was a simple yet delicious dish that was sure to be a hit with my family.

As we assembled the Tostada Pizzas, Maria shared the story of how she learned to make this dish. She told me that she had first discovered the recipe during a trip to Mexico City, where she stumbled upon a small street vendor selling Tostada Pizzas. Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors, she asked the vendor for the recipe, and he graciously shared it with her.

Maria had since tweaked the recipe to suit her own tastes, adding her own twist with different toppings and seasonings. She had even passed the recipe on to her children and grandchildren, who had all fallen in love with the dish.

After we had finished assembling the Tostada Pizzas, Maria popped them into the oven to melt the cheese and crisp up the toppings. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was mouth-watering, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

When the Tostada Pizzas were finally ready, Maria and I sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy our creation. The first bite was pure bliss – the crunch of the tostada mixed with the creamy cheese and savory toppings was a match made in heaven. I knew right then and there that this dish would become a staple in my own recipe collection.

As I finished the last bite of my Tostada Pizza, I thanked Maria for sharing her recipe with me. She smiled and told me that cooking was all about sharing and passing on traditions from one generation to the next. I couldn't agree more – food has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

I left Maria's house that day with a full stomach and a heart full of gratitude. The recipe for Tostada Pizza had not only introduced me to a new and delicious dish but had also reminded me of the importance of sharing recipes and traditions with loved ones. I couldn't wait to make Tostada Pizza for my own family and pass on the recipe for generations to come.