I choose...tostadas! Yes, I'm going to be "that person," the one who has to be stubborn and contrary. But if you really think about it, tostadas are a bit of both, but look much prettier. If you consider, a tostada is actually a large one-serving nacho plate. No need to share with anyone.
I made these Lime-maple Roasted Sweet Potato Tostadas with Black Bean Mash, Avocado and Pickled Jalapenos and they were awe-some! Indeed, the recipe has quite a few components, but nothing too difficult or hard to do. Just follow the recipe in the order written and you'll have this dish done in about 30 minutes.
The pickled jalapenos were really tasty, but my jalapenos were very spicy this time around; it is difficult to tell when you'll get a batch that is out-of-this-world hot and when the batch is mild. I recommend pickling Fresno peppers instead if you are not a spice-head like me. Fresnos are ripe New Mexico-type chiles and are much milder than jalapenos.
Of course, if you want to be a stickler about following directions, stuff the toppings into a tortilla and roll or fold.
I'm good either way.
Lime-maple Roasted Sweet Potato Tostadas
Makes 8 tostadas
Pickled Jalapenos:
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Ground black pepper
1/4 cup minced cilantro
2 medium jalapeno or Fresno peppers, sliced very thin using a mandoline
1 garlic clove, minced
Sweet Potatoes:
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon mince garlic
1 tablespoon neutral oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
Sea salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons maple syrup
Beans:
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup water
Sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup shredded vegan cheese (optional)
Other:
3 tablespoon oil
8 (5-inch) corn tortillas
1 medium ripe Hass avocado, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Sea salt and black pepper
1. Jalapenos: Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, oregano and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well to melt the sugar and salt. Add the cilantro, peppers and garlic. Set aside to pickle for at least 20 minutes. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
2. Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400-degrees F. Combine the potatoes, garlic, oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice on baking sheet. Season with salt and black pepper. Bake for 20 minutes or until tender. Stir in the rest of the lime juice and the maple syrup. Continue to bake until the syrup is thick and absorbed, about 5 more minutes.
3. Beans: Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onions, cover and cook until becoming golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and water and cover. Cook until the onions are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add the cheese, if using. Stir to combine and melt the cheese.
4. Tortillas: Heat the oil (3 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet. Add a tortilla and cook until almost crisp, about 1 minute, turning once. Set aside to drain. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas. After the sweet potatoes are cooked, bake the tortillas on the oven rack until crisp, about 5 to 8 minutes.
5. Assemble: Spread beans on a tostada, top with sweet potatoes. Add a few slices of avocado tossed with the lime juice and seasoned with salt and pepper. Top with pickled jalapenos and serve.
This looks so fresh and colourful and I always love the combination of black beans and sweet potatoes.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Definitely a flavor affinity.
Deletetotally LOVING the color here! Sounds YUMMY of course, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. It's fall-y.
Delete"the one who has to be stubborn and contrary."" I was kind of stubborn & contrary as well - makes things interesting!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving these tostadas! I'm not a huge fan of spice, but love the sound of the kick it would get to this gorgeous meal =) You even pickle your own jalapeƱos!
I didn't even think of tostadas! These look beautiful! Love the maple roasted sweet potatoes! I must try these soon.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! I loooove sweet & spicy flavors together. I'll have to give those pickled jalapeƱos a try!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to keep a bunch of us in touch year round! Check out this specific post on my blog
ReplyDeletehttp://blissfulyogajourney.blogspot.com/2015/10/end-of-vegan-mofo-15-off-season.html