Black bean and Jalapeno Tostadas

Know the prices of the foods you like.  Why? Well because then you'll know if something is a good deal. For example, I found a can of black beans for $.79 at my local drug store.  I usually pay anywhere from $.89 to $1.09 for a can of black beans, so this is a pretty good deal. 

The other note here is this, many places sell food, not just grocery stores.  So the next time your at the drug store buying deodorant and toothpaste, check out what food goods they have, you may just find your favorite item on sale. 

                    Black Bean and Jalapeno Tostadas

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can black beans

1 jar of sliced jalapenos (use as many or as few as you want)

5 Tostada shells

1 cup shredded cheese (pick one you really like or what’s on sale)

Garnish with lettuce, tomato, onions, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, etc.

Directions:

Heat the beans and jalapenos together on the stove over med. high heat.  If you want a little spice use just a few jalapenos, if you want a lot of spice, use a lot of jalapenos.

While the beans are heating, turn the oven on to 375.

Once the beans are heated through (approx. 5 to 6 minutes), remove from heat and drain.  Place in a mixing bowl and smash the bean and jalapenos.  I used the back of a spoon but if you want more of a puree, put them in a food processor.  I prefer it chunky but smash until you have the desired texture.  Place the tostada shells on a cookie sheet. Spread this mixture evenly over the tostada shells (about ¼ cup per shell).  Sprinkle each with a little cheese, then bake for about 5 to 7 minutes – long enough for the cheese to melt.

Remove from the oven and garnish with lettuce, tomato, diced onions, sour cream, avocado/*guacamole, hot sauce, etc.

*Michelle’s guacamole

1 avocado 

1 tsp. each – onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin

½ tsp. each – cayenne powder & red pepper flakes

1 tbsp.  Lime juice

Chopped fresh cilantro (If I have it on hand, if I don’t, I leave it out.)

Cut the avocado into chunks, add all the other ingredients and mix together gently so that it stays chunky. 

Price break down:

Black beans - $.79

Jalapenos - $2.59

Tostada shells (package of 22) - $2.29/$.10 per shell

Cheese (I used block cheddar) - $3.07/used ½ of this - $1.54

Total for the base - $5.42, each one comes to $1.10

Lettuce - $1.99

Tomato (roma) - $.36

Onion - $.69

Sour Cream (1 pint) - $1.69

Avocado - $1.39

If you added all the garnishes, you could add $1.22 to each serving – Total for all $2.32 per serving.

Enjoy!