Black Bean Tostadas

Recently James decided he was a sugar addict. He came to this conclusion one day after he had 3 bowls of Butterfinger ice cream, 2 crispy cream donuts (the Chocolate Iced Cream Filled ones) and 3/4 of a package of chocolate covered wafers. Not only did this combination of foods not bother his stomach at all, but he had to work hard to keep himself from eating a third donut. Clearly this was a problem.

So, he went on a diet. A very serious diet. So serious in fact that I forced him to quit because

a) it was ridiculously expensive and

b) it took way too much time to think about/prepare/eat the food.

I couldn't handle it.

But, because of his failed effort (and because we watched Food Inc.-which I don't recommend unless you can sell one of your kidneys in order to feed your family organic foods and not crappy beef (pun intended)), we have been trying to eat more healthy and less meat. It's not very easy.

But I am trying, and this is one recipe I have to show for it.

Here we go...

Black Bean Tostadas

(adapted from Eat Better America)

3	8 inch flour tortillas
4	teaspoons olive oil
3	green onions, chopped
1	can black beans, rinsed and drained
1	cup chopped seeded tomato
1	cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
2	tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1	clove garlic, minced
1	T green chilis

1.	Preheat oven to 425°F. Place tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet. Lightly brush tortillas on both sides with 1 teaspoon of the oil. Bake about 3 minutes; turn. Bake about 3 minutes more until lightly browned and crisp.
2.	Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, green chilis, and garlic; cook until onion is tender. Stir in black beans and tomato; heat through.
3.	Sprinkle tortillas with half of the cheese. Spoon the bean mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining cheese. Bake about 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro.

We ate these with sour cream and salsa and the were wonderful. I was very pleased with the result. And we were vegetarians for one whole meal. I'm pretty proud.