Easy Vegan Spicy Chickpea and Chipotle Tostadas Recipe
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Discovering Tostadas in Mexico
I first fell in love with tostadas during a trip to a small coastal town in Mexico, where every meal felt like a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. I vividly remember the street vendor who served me my first tostada. It was simple yet bursting with flavor—crispy, golden corn tortillas piled high with refried beans, fresh salsa, and a sprinkle of crumbly cheese. As I stood there, savoring each bite, I knew I had found something special.
Back home, I was determined to recreate that experience but with a twist that reflected my love for plant-based cooking. Chickpeas have always been a staple in my kitchen, not just for their nutritional benefits but also for their versatility. They can be transformed into creamy hummus, roasted for a crunchy snack, or mashed into a hearty filling. So, I thought, why not use them as the base for my tostadas?
Making Spicy Chickpea and Chipotle Tostadas At Home
The first time I made these Spicy Chickpea and Chipotle Tostadas, it was a weeknight, and I was craving something quick yet satisfying. I had a can of chickpeas in the pantry and some leftover tostada shells from a taco night. The idea struck me to create a smoky, spicy chickpea mash that could hold its own against the traditional refried beans. A little chipotle pepper for heat, some cumin and smoked paprika for depth, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it all up—simple yet flavorful.
When I took that first bite, I knew I had hit the jackpot. The chickpeas were creamy yet chunky, the spice was just right, and the crunch of the tostada shell was the perfect contrast. I topped it off with some guacamole and fresh salsa for that extra pop of freshness. It was everything I wanted in a meal—quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Now, these Spicy Chickpea and Chipotle Tostadas have become a go-to in my kitchen, especially on those busy nights when I need something satisfying and easy to whip up. They’ve also become a hit with friends, who love customizing their toppings and adding their personal flair.
Chef’s Notes – Spicy Chickpea and Chipotle Tostadas
- Blending Consistency: If you prefer a smoother chickpea mash, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until creamy. For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Add ingredients like pickled onions, shredded vegan cheese, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These Spicy Chickpea and Chipotle Tostadashipotle Tostadas pair well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh, avocado salad to balance the flavors.
- Make it Vegan: The recipe is already vegan, but you can enhance it with vegan sour cream or cheese for extra richness.
- Leftover Ideas: If you have leftover chickpea mash, use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch option.
Spicy Chickpea & Chipotle Tostadas
Dive into these mouthwatering Spicy Chickpea & Chipotle Tostadas! This easy vegan recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. With a flavorful chickpea mash base and customizable toppings, it's a hit for everyone. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
4
tostadas10
minutes20
minutes192
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Chickpea Base
2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 medium onion finely diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp diced fresh tomato about half a small tomato
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- Tostadas
12 tostada shells store-bought or homemade
- Optional Toppings
Guacamole
Fresh salsa
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Simmer Chickpeas – Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained chickpeas, diced tomato, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Stir well to combine. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Mash Chickpeas – Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the chickpea mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice.
- Assemble Tostadas – Spread the chickpea mash evenly over each tostada shell. Top with guacamole, fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or any other preferred toppings.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion Blender
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 192kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
Charred Corn and Avocado Salsa
Cooks in 25 minutesDifficulty: EasyGet ready to wow your taste buds with this Charred Corn and Avocado Salsa! Packed with juicy tomatoes, zesty lime juice, and a hint of chili powder, this vibrant dish is perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a topping for your favorite tacos. It’s fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Dive into this delightful salsa and bring a touch of gourmet to your table.
Mexican Rice with Black Beans
Cooks in 15 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into the vibrant flavors of our Spicy Bean and Rice Skillet! This dish transforms leftover brown rice and black beans into a mouth-watering meal that’s better than any restaurant version. With a homemade sauce bursting with spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a culinary delight that promises to be a family favorite!
FAQs – Spicy Chickpea & Chipotle Tostadas
Can I make the chickpea mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chickpea mash up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Can I use homemade tostada shells?
Absolutely! You can bake or fry corn tortillas until crispy for homemade tostada shells. Baking at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes works well.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
You can substitute chickpeas with black beans or white beans, mashing them similarly to create a different flavor profile.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Ensure your tostada shells are made from 100% corn, which is naturally gluten-free. Check the packaging if you’re using store-bought tostadas.
