craving Mexican food

I have been craving Mexican food.  I have actually had food made by people from different regions of Mexico so going for Mexican food in the US is just not the same.  My area of the world is very TexMex, heavy on the meeat and cheese.  Going out for Mexican just does not really fit the bill.  I decided to make tostadas like I had made them for me by a lovely lady from Nothern Mexico.  

Tostada

oil for frying (I used olive oil.  It is what I had on hand)

corn tortillas (I used five for two people)

your favorite refried beans (I realized my recipe is not on my blog so I will post it tomorrow) My recipe

shredded lettuce

diced tomato

grated cheese, optional (we were out).  Cotija or chihuahua are excellent but a good cheddar works.

cooked meat, diced or shredded, optional

other fruits and vegetables you may wish, raw or grilled, optional

your favorite salsa

Put your oil in a small pan.  I put about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet.  Heat over medium high heat until it sizzles when a crumb of tortilla is put in the oil.  Place a corn tortilla in the oil and let cook for 10-30 seconds per side.  You want a bit of golden.  Remove and place on a plate.

Heat your refried beans.

Smear on the fried tortilla.  My refried beans still had whole beans in it so it was not as thin a smear as I was taught.

Add a sprinkle of meat, if you are using.

Top with shredded lettuce.

Top with tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.  Munch to your hearts content.

The tostadas were very simple today.  We were out of most cheese and we rarely have meat bits leftover.  I only every really cook meat in little bits so we eat it all up at the time I make it.  These really fulfilled my craving and my Beloved said we could definitely have them again.  All is good.  Much better then going out.