Black Bean Tostadas with Smoky Salsa

Instructions

• Remove papery husk from tomatillos and discard. Rinse tomatillos.
• In 1-quart saucepan, place tomatillos and enough water to cover; heat to boiling over medium heat. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until tomatillos turn from bright green to olive green. Drain; cool 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in food processor with knife blade attached, combine beans, onion, and 2 garlic cloves; pulse until smooth.
• In 2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add bean mixture and cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove saucepan from heat; keep warm. Wash and dry processor and blade.
• In food processor with knife blade attached, combine tomatillos, chipotle chile, adobo, salt, and remaining 2 garlic cloves, and pulse about 10 times or until salsa is almost smooth. Makes about 2/3 cup.

Assemble tostadas: If bean mixture is really thick, stir in a little hot water. Spread some bean mixture over each tostada. Top with some lettuce and cheese. Serve with salsa.

• Makes 6 main-dish servings.

Canned chipotle chiles are smoked jalapeno chiles packed in a thick vinegary sauce called adobo. Look for chipotle chiles in Hispanic markets or in some supermarkets. If you prefer a milder salsa, use 1 tablespoon adobo and do not add chipotle chile.

If you can’t find tostada shells, you can use corn tortillas and fry them in a skillet, 1 at a time, in a small amount of oil until lightly browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

• Please Note: Nutritional values listed may vary from final results depending on actual measurements and brands used to prepare the recipe.