Black-Bean Tostados with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Ingredients for Black-Bean Tostados with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

• 6 large garlic cloves, 4 cloves peeled and left whole and 2 cloves coarsely chopped

• 450g tomatillos (8 medium), husked, rinsed, and halved

• 4 fresh serrano chillies or 2 fresh jalapeños (including seeds), coarsely chopped

• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh coriander sprigs

• 2 cups plus 2 to 3 tablespoons water

• 120ml finely chopped white onion, rinsed in a sieve and patted dry

• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt

• 2 dried avocado leaves (optional), coarse stems discarded

• 2 (425g) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

• 45ml vegetable oil

• 2 (6- to 200g ) firm-ripe avocados

• 12 tostadas

• 725ml thinly sliced cos (from 1 head)

• 120g crumbled queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese) or mild feta (110g )

How to make Black-Bean Tostados with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Line a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron; not nonstick) with foil, then heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 2 whole garlic cloves and half of tomatillos, cut sides down, and roast on top of stove until well browned, 4 to 5 minutes (skillet will begin to smoke at this point). Turn over garlic and tomatillos (tomatillos may stick to foil) and roast until well browned and tomatillos are completely soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer roasted garlic and tomatillos to a food processor. Discard foil, then line skillet with a fresh sheet of foil and roast remaining 2 whole garlic cloves and remaining tomatillos in same manner, transferring as done to food processor. Cool garlic and tomatillos to room temperature in bowl of processor, about 30 minutes.

Add chillies, half of coriander, and 2 tablespoons water to mixture in processor, then pulse until it forms a chunky sauce, adding 1 tablespoon more water if too thick. Transfer to a bowl and stir in onion and 1 teaspoon salt.

If using avocado leaves, toast, 1 at a time, in a dry 10-inch heavy skillet (without foil lining) over moderate heat, turning every few seconds, until lightly browned and aromatic, about 1 minute, transferring to a plate as toasted. Bring beans and remaining 475ml water to a simmer in a 3-quart heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, then add avocado leaves and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Drain beans in a sieve set over a bowl, reserving liquid. Pure beans, 1/4 cup cooking liquid (reserve remainder), avocado leaves (if using), and chopped garlic in a food processor until smooth.

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then add bean purée and cook, stirring, until very thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 3/4 teaspoons salt, then remove from heat and keep warm, covered.

Halve and pit avocados, then scoop out flesh in large pieces and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

If necessary, stir some of reserved bean-cooking liquid in to make bean purée soft and easily spreadable. Divide warm beans among tostadas and spread evenly. Spoon about 1 tablespoon tomatillo sauce over each tostada, then divide avocado among tostadas and top with cos, cheese, and remaining coriander. Serve remaining tomatillo sauce on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.