Introduction
Are you craving a light and flavorful summer meal? Look no further than these delicious summer veg tostadas. Packed with vibrant vegetables and bursting with fresh flavors, these tostadas are the perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to make these tostadas a standout dish on your summer menu.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering summer veg tostadas, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 mini tortillas
- 4 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 courgette, halved lengthways, quartered then cut into 3cm chunks
- 198g can sweetcorn, drained
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 80g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced
- 250g frozen peas, defrosted
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 2 mint sprigs, leaves picked and roughly chopped, plus extra to serve
- Small handful of coriander, roughly chopped
- 2 limes, 1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges to serve
- 80g natural yogurt
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious summer veg tostadas:
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Brush the tortillas with 2 tsp of the vegetable oil and arrange them on two baking trays. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip them over, rotate the trays, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tsp of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the courgette and sweetcorn and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to color at the edges, approximately 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cook for another minute. Set aside to cool slightly before tossing in the cherry tomatoes and spring onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a mini food processor, combine the defrosted peas, garlic clove, chopped mint leaves, most of the coriander, lime juice, and remaining vegetable oil. Pulse until you have a guacamole-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
To assemble the tostadas, spread each tortilla with a generous amount of the pea dip. Top with the sautéed courgette, sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes, and spring onions mixture. Garnish with the remaining coriander and add a dollop of natural yogurt on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tostadas.
Tips and Variations
- Experiment with different vegetables: While this recipe calls for courgette, sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes, and spring onions, feel free to get creative and add your favorite summer vegetables. Bell peppers, avocado, or even grilled eggplant would make excellent additions to these tostadas.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapenos or sprinkle some chili flakes on top of your tostadas for an extra kick.
- Make it vegan: To make these tostadas vegan-friendly, simply swap the natural yogurt for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
- Customize your toppings: Along with the suggested toppings, you can also add some crumbled feta cheese, sliced radishes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to elevate the flavors and textures of your tostadas.
Serving Suggestions
These summer veg tostadas are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Serve as a main course: Enjoy these tostadas as the star of your meal by serving them alongside a fresh green salad or a side of Mexican rice.
- Appetizer or party snack: Cut the tortillas into smaller rounds before baking and assemble bite-sized tostadas. These make for a perfect appetizer or a party snack that your guests will love.
- Picnic or lunchbox treat: Pack these tostadas for a picnic or as a tasty and satisfying addition to your lunchbox. Simply wrap them individually in parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
Summer veg tostadas are a fantastic way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season. With a medley of fresh vegetables, zesty lime, and a creamy pea dip, these tostadas are sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping you cool and refreshed. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a light and healthy meal, these tostadas are a must-try. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delightful summer treat!