Delicious Tostadas with Butternut Squash

Tostadas with butternut squash offer a delicious and colorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering. The combination of crispy tortillas, roasted butternut squash, and a variety of toppings creates a tasty and satisfying meal. Here's a simple recipe for tostadas with butternut squash that you can customize with your favorite toppings.

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Ingredients

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 corn tortillas
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped avocado
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheese, salsa, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Stir halfway through roasting.

2. Prepare the Tostadas: While the squash is roasting, prepare the tostadas. You can either bake or fry the corn tortillas for a crispy texture.

   • Baked Tostadas: Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp.
   • Fried Tostadas: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

3. Warm the Black Beans: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the black beans until heated through.

4. Assemble the Tostadas: Once the butternut squash is roasted and the tostadas are crispy, it's time to assemble. Spread a spoonful of black beans onto each tostada. Add a layer of roasted butternut squash on top of the beans.

5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, and chopped avocado. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tostadas with additional toppings like shredded lettuce, dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheese, salsa, or hot sauce. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Toppings: Tostadas are versatile, so feel free to add your favorite toppings. You can include jalapeños, bell peppers, or fresh corn for extra flavor.
• Make it a Meal: Serve with a side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the toppings and tostadas separately to maintain their crispiness. Reheat the tostadas in the oven to keep them crispy.

Enjoy your delicious tostadas with butternut squash! They're a vibrant and satisfying meal that's sure to please.