Turkey Tostadas

Turkey Tostadas Recipe from Mexico | Ingredients: Tortillas, Refried Beans, Chili Powder, Cumin, Turkey, Green Onions, Tomatoes, Cheddar

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Turkey tostadas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. These crispy tortillas topped with flavorful refried beans, seasoned turkey, and melted cheese are sure to be a hit with your family.

History

Tostadas are a traditional Mexican dish that dates back to ancient times. The word "tostada" actually means "toasted" in Spanish, referring to the crispy tortilla base of the dish. While the classic tostada is typically topped with beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables, this recipe puts a twist on the traditional dish by using turkey as the main protein.

Ingredients

8 6-inch flour tortillas
1 16 oz (454 g) can of refried beans
2 tsp of chili powder
1 tsp of ground cumin
3.5 cups of diced cooked turkey
0.5 cup of chopped green onions
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1 cup of shredded cheddar or jack cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
Place the tortillas on ungreased baking sheets and bake for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
In a small or medium saucepan, heat the refried beans, then stir in the chili powder and cumin over medium heat.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss together the turkey, green onions, and tomatoes.
Remove the tortillas from the oven.
Spoon the refried beans equally in the center of each tortilla, then spread them to about 0.5 inch from the edge.
Spread an equal amount of the turkey mixture over each tortilla, then sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
Place the tostadas back in the oven and bake until the cheese melts, then serve.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or shredded chicken for the turkey.
Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers to the turkey mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your oven before baking the tortillas to ensure they get crispy.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking by adding avocado, salsa, or sour cream.

- To save time, use leftover cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the turkey from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve turkey tostadas with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the tortillas in the oven helps to make them crispy without frying them in oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pinto beans or black beans instead of refried beans.

- Swap out the jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey mixture and refried beans ahead of time and assemble the tostadas just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Top the turkey tostadas with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair turkey tostadas with a cold Mexican beer, a margarita, or a glass of sangria for a festive meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover turkey tostadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tostadas on a baking sheet and bake in a 350ºF oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of turkey tostadas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of turkey tostadas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of turkey tostadas contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of turkey tostadas contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey tostadas are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (tortillas).

Summary

Turkey tostadas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Turkey tostadas are a tasty and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a crispy tortilla base, flavorful refried beans, seasoned turkey, and melted cheese, these tostadas are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Turkey Tostadas. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria who lived in a small village in Mexico. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to visiting her and trying out new recipes.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her kitchen and asked if I wanted to help her prepare lunch. I eagerly agreed, excited to learn some new cooking techniques from her. As we worked together, Maria began to tell me about a special dish that was a family favorite - Turkey Tostadas.

She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and that it was a dish that was typically made during celebrations and holidays. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures in the dish, and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

Maria showed me how to marinate the turkey in a blend of spices and seasonings, and then she taught me how to cook it until it was tender and juicy. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering, and I knew that this dish was going to be something special.

Next, Maria showed me how to prepare the tostadas - crispy corn tortillas that would serve as the base for the dish. She explained that the key to a good tostada was to fry the tortillas until they were golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.

Once the turkey was cooked and the tostadas were ready, Maria began to assemble the dish. She piled the turkey on top of the tostadas, and then added a generous helping of refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco. To finish it off, she drizzled a spicy salsa over the top, adding a kick of heat to the dish.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Turkey Tostada and was absolutely blown away. The flavors were incredible - the tender turkey, the crispy tostada, the creamy beans, and the fresh toppings all came together in perfect harmony. I knew that this recipe was going to become a new favorite in my own kitchen.

After I returned home from my visit with Maria, I couldn't stop thinking about the Turkey Tostadas. I immediately set to work recreating the recipe in my own kitchen, using the notes and tips that Maria had shared with me.

As I cooked, I thought about the connection between food and memories. The act of preparing a dish that had been passed down through generations was a way of honoring the past and preserving tradition. Each time I made the Turkey Tostadas, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and her family, even though we were miles apart.

Over the years, I continued to make the Turkey Tostadas for my own family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who would listen. It became a beloved dish in my household, and it always brought back fond memories of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen.

As I look back on that day now, I am filled with gratitude for the friendship and the knowledge that Maria shared with me. The recipe for Turkey Tostadas has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, and I will always be thankful for the moments spent learning and cooking with Maria.