Embark on a flavorful journey to Mexico with our unique take on a classic dish – Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas. In this blog post, we’ll not only guide you through the simple and delicious recipe but also delve into the rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary heritage that make these tostadas an iconic part of Mexican cuisine.
Table of Contents:
- The Origins and Heritage of Tostadas
- Two-Ingredient Dough: A Modern Twist
- Recipe: Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas
- Step-By-Step Tostada Dough with Pictures
- Toppings and Variations
- Serving and Enjoying Tostadas
- Conclusion
1. The Origins and Heritage of Tostadas: Tostadas have a long-standing history in Mexican cuisine. Derived from the Spanish word “tostar,” meaning “to toast,” tostadas are believed to have originated from the ancient Aztec and Maya civilizations. These civilizations utilized maize (corn) as a staple food, and tostadas became a creative way to use leftover tortillas by toasting or frying them until crispy. Tostadas eventually evolved into a versatile dish, featuring various toppings that reflect the diverse culinary influences of Mexico’s regions.
2. Two-Ingredient Dough: A Modern Twist: Incorporating the concept of two-ingredient dough into traditional Mexican cuisine adds a delightful modern twist. This dough, made from self-rising flour and plain non-fat Greek yogurt, creates a soft, chewy base for our tostadas, offering a healthier alternative to the traditional fried tortillas. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal canvas for exploring authentic Mexican flavors.
NOTE: If you don’t have self-rising flour, no problem, just add and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to every 1 cup of all purpose flour…Boom! Done!
3. Recipe: Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas:
This recipe is inspired from the WW recipe for Two-ingredient-dough soft Mexican tostadas, available from their website too. At only 5 points per serving, this recipe is a must have in your kitchen repository if you love Mexican cuisine like we do!
5 Points® – Total Time: 37 min – Prep Time: 15 min – Cook Time: 22 min – Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt
- 1 cup white self-rising flour
- ¼ tsp table salt
- 1 cup fat free refried beans
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup canned white corn, or yellow corn
- ½ cup grape tomatoes, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 4 splashes hot sauce, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place yogurt and flour in a large bowl; stir well with a wooden spoon until just combined and then keep mixing dough in bowl with your hands until smooth (about 2 minutes of kneading). If dough is too sticky to knead, add more flour, 1 Tbsp at a time, until no longer sticky. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Place a large piece of parchment paper on a work surface or sheet pan and sprinkle with a little flour, place dough balls on paper. Measure out the dough into 1-ounce portions and place on the parchment, keep covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle; slightly curl up edges to make a crust with a center. Or use a tortilla press (see photos below). Place tortillas on griddle and brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Place browned tortillas on a sheet pan.
- Stir together the beans and chili powder. Spread ¼ cup beans on each tostada and top with 2 Tbsp corn, 2 Tbsp tomato and 1 Tbsp feta. Garnish with the cilantro. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.
- Serving size: 1 tostada
4. Step-By-Step Tostada Dough with Pictures:
5. Toppings and Variations: The beauty of Mexican tostadas lies in their diverse toppings. Some traditional options include:
- Refried beans
- Shredded chicken or beef
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Salsa or pico de gallo
Feel free to get creative and add your own variations or explore regional toppings like cochinita pibil, tinga de pollo, or ceviche.
6. Serving and Enjoying Tostadas: Arrange your cooked tostadas on a platter and set out bowls of your chosen toppings. Invite your guests to create their own customized tostadas, layering flavors and textures to their liking. This interactive and communal aspect of enjoying tostadas captures the essence of Mexican dining culture.
7. Conclusion: Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, honoring the historical roots of tostadas while embracing a contemporary approach to preparation. As you savor each bite of these soft, flavorful tostadas, remember that you’re not just enjoying a meal but also experiencing the rich tapestry of Mexico’s culinary history, culture, and heritage.
Buen provecho!