Easy Tostada Recipe!

This is a quick and easy lunch, but it would also make a great appetizer at a party!  A Tostada is basically an open-faced quesadilla and you can put anything you want on top. I made my tostada by layering a medium sized tortilla, refried beans, sauteed vegetables, and cheese, mmm...

Easy Tostada (serves 1)
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat tortilla
2 T. vegetarian/fat free refried beans
2 T. corn kernels
2 T. chopped onion 
1/4 c. diced zucchini
chopped fresh chives, to taste
1 oz. cheddar cheese (I used 75% reduced fat Cabot block cheese)
1 tsp olive oil
dash of cayenne pepper & chili powder
optional toppings- salsa, sour cream


First, add the oil to a medium sized skillet and heat on medium to high heat.  Add the corn, onion, chives, and zucchini.  *These were the veggies I had in my fridge.  Peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli would also be great choices.

As the vegetables start to sizzle, stir 'em up.  If they start to stick to the pan, add a little bit of water or vegetable stock/broth.  Once they really get cooking, add the spices.  Meanwhile, spread the refried beans onto the tortilla.  Now you're going to do a little switcheroo, take the veggies out of the pan (put them on a plate) and lay the tortilla onto the pan, no need to make more dishes for yourself!

Be sure to move the tortilla in the pan so it doesn't stick or burn.  Now you can add the vegetables on top of the refried beans to make an even layer.  And do the same with the cheese.  
*Don't sacrifice quality to save calories!  Find a cheese you like and stick with it.  Note that the sharper the cheese, the less you need because the flavor is more intense.  I also think block cheese has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese, but takes more time to grate it yourself. 

The cheese will start to melt in the pan, but by the time it all melts, you'll have a burnada, not a tostada.  To finish if off, transfer it to a baking sheet, and fire up your broiler on low.  It's done when the cheese is all melted.  *don't just stick it in the microwave or else you'll have a soggyada and nobody likes that!  Enjoy :)