Tostada Pizza

“Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

It’s been one heck of a week hasn’t it? So many emotions many of us are feeling and coming to terms with. All I can seem to form out is: 2020 is one heck of a year. It has been draining, it has been eye opening, it has been confusing, it has been scary, it has been emotional AF, it has been infuriating, it has made us feel helpless, it has moved us, it has brought us down. And the list goes on. Just know, what you are feeling is OKAY. Know that most of the world is feeling it too. There is comfort in your pain.

You know what else comes from pain? Change. It is moving to see how much change is coming about in such a short amount of time. Even though there is a long way to go, the momentum has been set forth. It is moving to see people come together, to form in solidarity, to fight injustice. Fills me with hope for humanity. It is time for change. It has always been time for change, but maybe it took an entire pandemic to get others to see that it is time.

We must all continue to fight injustice, to fight for equality. We must stand together. Please do what you can to support the fight against racial inequality. Often, I feel like this isn’t something that should be said, it’s a basic principle of life isn’t it? Treat others as you would want to be treated. And yet, it needs to be said. Show your support for Black Lives Matter. Do some research, donate your time, donate your money, donate your ideas, have that conversation with a friend or a family member, and most of all vote! Please vote. It is up to us to create change.

It is easy to feel powerless and helpless during turbulent times. I too myself having been having a hard time forming out how I feel. I know I feel angry, I know I feel helpless, I know I feel infuriated, I know I want to help. But please hang in there. A revolution of change is coming about and you will be part of it. We all will be part of it. What do you want to tell your kids that you did when that revolution came? Some food for thought.

Speaking of food, which also brings us some comfort during turbulent times. I want to share this tostada pizza recipe with you all. All you need to do is prep refried black beans, well hey you can buy it canned as well, so little to no prep required here. I’m obsessed with California Pizza Kitchen’s Tostada Pizza, so you know I had to recreate it.

I will say, you need to try out the refried black beans recipe below, because well I finally perfected it! I have been making refried black beans for a while now but never quite got the taste and texture down. This time though, I got it! It is creamy and flavorful with a hint of spice.

Hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I did!

Be safe everyone. <3

Tostada Pizza

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 2 pizza pies

Ingredients

For refried black beans:

• 2 15 oz can black beans rinsed
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 serrano chili diced
• 1/2 tsp hing
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp taco seasoning
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• 1 tbsp taco sauce of choice
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• salt & pepper to taste

For Pizza:

• 2 pizza crusts I used frozen pizza crusts from Trader Joe's
• Refried Black Beans; recipe below
• 1/2 cup mozzarella Cheese or more as desired
• 1/2 cup Mexican Blend cheese or more as desired
• 1 white onion diced
• 2 tomatoes diced

For garnish:

• 1/4 lettuce shredded
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 2-4 tbsps avocado ranch dressing or any dressing of choice
• 1/4 cup southwestern tortilla strips crushed

Instructions

For black beans:

1. Heat oil on medium heat, until oil begins to warm up. Add in minced garlic and serrano chili. Mix and allow to incorporate with oil for ~30 seconds. Next add in: hing, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp taco seasoning, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cumin. Allow all spices and oil to incorporate for ~1 min on low heat. Mix together. This allows the oil to absorb the flavors of the spices. Add in rinsed black beans and mix together. Next add in water and mix. Once ingredients are incorporated, using a potato masher, mash the beans. Mash until desired consistency. I like to thoroughly mash, until creamy and smooth. Next add in sour cream, taco sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, 1/4 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp taco seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Mix together, until creamy and smooth. Use the masher one more time for an extra creamy result. Remove from heat and set aside.

For Pizza assembly:

1. Preheat oven to 350F; or as per pizza crust directions
2. Spread 1/4 cup at a time of mashed black beans onto pizza crust. Spread until beans just hit the edges of the crust. Next, generously sprinkle on mozzarella and Mexican blend shredded cheeses on top. Top with onions and tomatoes.
3. Bake for 15 minutes; or until pizza crust crisps and cheese melts.
4. Top with shredded lettuce, salsa, dressing and tortilla steps. Enjoy!