If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy tortillas, then tostadas may be the answer. But when it comes down to it, can you make tostadas with flour tortillas? The answer is yes!
While traditional Mexican cuisine typically uses corn tortillas to make tostadas, flour tortillas can also be used. Let’s take a look at why this is an option and how it affects the flavor of your dish.
Table of Contents
Differences Between Corn and Flour Tortillas
The first thing that needs to be noted is that there are differences between corn and flour tortillas. Corn tortillas have been around in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times and are a staple in their cuisine.
They are made from ground corn mixed with water and salt, then cooked on a hot stone or griddle. This process gives them a unique flavor and texture that cannot be replicated with other ingredients.
Flour tortillas, on the other hand, were introduced by Spanish settlers and used wheat flour as their main ingredient. These two types of tortillas offer different flavors and textures that affect the overall taste of your dish.
Making Tostadas With Flour Tortillas
When making tostadas with flour tortillas, you need to take into account the differences between the two types of tortillas mentioned above. Flour tortillas are much thicker than corn ones, so they will require more time to cook in order for them to become crisp enough for a crunchy outside layer.
You also need to consider how much oil you’re using; if you don’t use enough oil, your flour-based tostada won’t get crispy enough!
Finally, bear in mind that while traditional Mexican recipes usually call for corn-based ingredients such as beans and salsa, these can all be adapted easily enough when using flour-based ingredients like potatoes or queso fresco instead!
A Simple And Delicious Recipe
These crispy tostadas are perfect for an easy dinner or lunch.
- Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and lightly oiling a baking sheet.
- Next, spread out four 8-inch flour tortillas on the baking sheet and brush them with some oil.
- Sprinkle each tortilla with salt and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the tortillas are lightly golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- When cooled, top each tostada with your desired toppings, such as black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and/or guacamole.
- Serve immediately for a delicious meal!
For an added crunch, you can also fry the tostadas in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side.
FAQs
What to do with leftover tostada shells?
Leftovers from a tostada dinner can be used in many delicious and creative ways. Whether you have leftovers from homemade tostadas, store-bought shells, or restaurant takeout, you can transform those crunchy shells into something new! Here are some great ideas for what to do with leftover tostada shells:
- Make tostada salad bowls: Fill a tostada shell with your favorite greens, veggies, and toppings for a delicious twist on the traditional salad bowl.
- Create nachos with a crunch: Layer cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, peppers, and other favorite ingredients between two leftover tostada shells for a unique take on the classic nacho.
- Transform them into chips: Break up your leftover tostada shells and bake them in the oven with a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you like. Enjoy as a flavorful snack or use as croutons on salads.
- Fry them for a crunchy taco shell: Heat up some oil in a pan and fry the tostada shells until golden brown. Let cool and fill with your favorite taco ingredients for an extra crunchy taco.
- Tostada casserole: Make a delicious tostada casserole by layering cooked ground beef or chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese between two tostada shells. Bake in the oven for a cheesy, comforting dinner.
No matter how you use it, leftover tostada shells are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Get creative and enjoy!
Read more: How To Make Nacho Cheese Without Flour?
How to make tostada shells in air fryer?
Making tostada shells in an air fryer is a delicious and easy way to make a quick snack or meal. It’s also healthier than deep-frying the shells in oil, as you can use much less oil or none at all. Here’s how to make tostada shells in the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place up to four tortillas in the basket of the air fryer and lightly spray them with oil (optional).
- Cook for about 4 minutes, checking after 2 minutes to make sure they don’t burn. If needed, flip the tortillas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove shells from the air fryer and let them cool on a plate or cutting board.
- Once cooled, top with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!
Tostada shells made in the air fryer are crunchy, delicious, and much healthier than deep-fried shells. They’re perfect for a quick snack or meal and can be customized to your tastes with whatever ingredients you like!
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes – it is possible to make tasty and delicious tostadas using either flour or corn tortilla shells. It all depends on what type of flavor profile you’re going for and what type of ingredients you want to accompany your dish! Just remember that when using flour-based shells for your recipe, some modifications may be necessary in order for them to come out just right. With practice though, it won’t take long for you to master making crunchy yet flavorful dining options with either type of tortilla shell! So go ahead – give it a try today!
References:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.202109927
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/L83Lq63JkYWcPqjWSB9wWQg/?lang=pt&format=html
