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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tostadas


  • Author: Chloe

Ingredients

  • Corn Tortillas: The foundation of our tostadas, providing a crispy and slightly nutty base. Look for sturdy tortillas that will hold up well when baked or fried.
  • Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! These bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the tostadas. Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for even roasting.
  • Black Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, black beans add a hearty and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes. Canned or cooked from dry both work well.
  • Olive Oil: Used for roasting the sweet potatoes and brushing the tortillas, olive oil adds healthy fats and enhances flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its richer taste.
  • Chili Powder: Provides a warm, smoky depth of flavor and a touch of spice. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.
  • Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin adds a classic Southwestern flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes and black beans.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet note that enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a layer of complexity.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a savory and aromatic base flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
  • Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth, complementing the garlic powder and other spices.
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the seasoning blend. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, acidic tang that balances the richness of the sweet potatoes and beans and brightens up the overall flavor.
  • Optional Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Consider options like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija), pickled onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the sweet potatoes to tender perfection and crisping up the tortillas.
  2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Dice them into ½-inch cubes. Smaller cubes will roast faster and more evenly.
  3. Season the sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
  4. Roast the sweet potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause them to steam instead of roast. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. The sweet potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when done.
  5. Prepare the black beans: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, rinse and drain the black beans if using canned beans. If using cooked black beans from dry, ensure they are cooked until tender but not mushy. You can gently warm the black beans in a saucepan on the stovetop if desired, or simply use them at room temperature.
  6. Prepare the tortillas: Lightly brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
  7. Bake the tortillas: Arrange the oiled tortillas in a single layer on a separate baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as baking times can vary. Alternatively, you can broil them for a minute or two per side for quicker crisping, but watch them very carefully. Another method is to lightly fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until crispy.
  8. Assemble the tostadas: Once the sweet potatoes and tortillas are ready, it’s time to assemble! Place a crispy tortilla on a plate.
  9. Layer with black beans: Spoon a generous amount of black beans onto the crispy tortilla, spreading them evenly.
  10. Top with roasted sweet potatoes: Layer the roasted sweet potatoes over the black beans.
  11. Add toppings: Now comes the fun part! Top your tostadas with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, pickled onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and hot sauce. Get creative and customize your tostadas to your liking!
  12. Serve immediately: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tostadas are best enjoyed immediately while the tortillas are still crispy and the sweet potatoes are warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 12g