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Beer Bean Tostadas
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Beer Bean Tostadas with Chili Pesto

Spicy beer infused beans with hot chili pesto atop crisp tostada shells, with classic condiments.
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: pinto beans, tostadas
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Beans

  • 3/4 cup pinto beans, soaked for 8 hours see notes for canned bean option
  • 6 oz beer
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp green chili powder
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Chili Pesto

  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds best if toasted
  • 1 can Hatch green chilies can substitute 2 roasted green chilies
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • salt and pepper

Spiced Ground Beef

  • 1/4 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • dash cayenne
  • salt and pepper

To Serve

  • 8 tostada shells
  • Toppings: grated cheddar, chopped tomato, avocado

Instructions

Beans

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the drained beans, beer, bay leaf and green chili powder. Add water to cover the beans by one inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until beans are tender, about one hour. Add a pinch of salt to the pot and turn off the heat. Set aside to cool. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet and sauté the diced onion til softened. Drain the beans and add them along with the tomato paste and chili powder. Mash the beans lightly, adding additional beer or water to thin to spreadable consistency.

Chili Pesto

  • Put the pumpkin seeds into the food processor and process to a fine meal. Add the chilies, cilantro, lemon juice and cumin. Process, adding water as needed to make the texture smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Spiced Ground Beef

  • Brown the ground beef in a small skillet, and drain any accumulated fat. Stir in the chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano and dash of cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To Serve

  • Spread each tostado shell with beans and pesto. Sprinkle with ground beef mixture, then top as desired, with your choice of toppings. 
     

Notes

 
To use canned beans, substitute one can refried beans. Add the sauteed onion, tomato paste and chili powder. Heat and thin to spreadable consistency with beer.