Black Bean and Avocado Tostadas with Cabbage-Lime Slaw

This colorful dinner combines crisp tortillas with warm beans, creamy avocado, and a sharp cabbage slaw. It is easy to scale and lets people add toppings at the table. The seasoning is intentionally mild; add salsa or hot sauce separately for those who want more heat.

Ingredients: 4 servings

• 8 tostada shells, or 8 small corn tortillas baked until crisp
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 cups finely shredded green or red cabbage
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, optional
• Chopped cilantro, optional

Method

1. Warm beans, cumin, paprika, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and lightly mash some beans until the mixture is hot and spoonable. Add a little water if it becomes dry.

2. Toss cabbage with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Let it stand while the beans warm.

3. Arrange shells on plates. Spoon on beans, then add slaw, avocado, salsa, and optional cheese and cilantro. Serve right away so the shells stay crisp.

For homemade shells, brush tortillas lightly with oil and bake on a sheet pan at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, turning once, until crisp. Watch them closely because thin tortillas can brown quickly. Use a clean cutting board and wash produce under running water before slicing. If serving someone with a food allergy, check labels on tortillas, salsa, and cheese and prevent cross-contact with shared utensils.

For a different texture, add corn, chopped tomatoes, or shredded lettuce. Leftover bean mixture can be refrigerated promptly in a covered container and reheated until steaming; store avocado and slaw separately. This recipe is a flexible meal idea, not a prescribed diet for a medical condition.

Sources and further reading

• Safe Food Handling — USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
• Food Allergies — U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Health disclaimer

This article is for general education only. Its information and suggestions are not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and may not be right for everyone. Ask a qualified health professional for advice that fits your health, medications, and needs before changing your diet, exercise, supplement use, or care.