Mexican Pizza!

I'm not gonna title these "Taco Bell" mexican pizzas, because they didn't really turn out all that much like them. It's just hard to closely duplicate the sauce and the tostadas. But here's what I did and it was really good! Just different. : )

Components:

Tostadas

Refried Beans

Taco Sauce

Toppings

First: Beans

Put 2 c. pinto beans into the pressure cooker. Cover them with at least 3 cups water. Cook until soft. Remove to a blender/mixer and puree. Add 3-4 T. of butter to a fry pan. Melt the butter, then add 1 t. garlic paste and stir. Then add the pureed beans and cook in the butter. Salt to taste. Don't let them start sticking. Turn off the heat before that. Cover them until you're ready to use.

Second: While the beans are cooking, prepare your tostadas. Start with your regular flour tortilla dough recipe. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Heat 2 T. of vegetable or sunflower oil in a large skillet. Roll out your first tortilla and add to the skillet. Fry one side, then turn. Remove to drain on paper towels. Repeat for following tortillas, adding oil as necessary. (This would be a great thing to have your house helper do! ; ))

Third: Taco Sauce

1 box tomato puree

1/3 c. water

1/2 t. American chili powder

1 1/2 t. cumin

1 1/2 t. onion powder

1 T. white vinegar

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. garlic salt

1/4 t. paprika

1/4 t. sugar

1/4 t. cayenne or Indian chili powder

Combine in small sauce pan and simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes or till a nice consistency.

Fourth: Toppings

Chop 3-4 tomatoes

Shred 2 c. cheddar cheese

Slice some green onions

Last: Put it together!

Place one tostada on a baking sheet. Spread beans on top. Top with a second tortilla. Spread

taco sauce on top. Top with cheese, then tomatoes, then green onions if you want. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or just until cheese is melted.

So, these are not for the half hearted Taco Bell fan. :)

There a lot of work,but well worth it! We enjoyed it. Not something I'll make often, but good to know how to do it when I'm really craving it! : )