Charra’s Baked Corn Tostados
Traditional tostadas are supposed to be crunchy because corn tortillas are traditionally deep-fat fried in oil, which doesn’t always make a tostada the most wholesome food choice. But, what if a corn tortilla is baked instead? Well, then a tostada becomes a more nutritious choice because oils are not used.
Charras – the maker of traditional Mexican foods – makes a baked corn tostada with three ingredients: white corn flour, iodized salt, and calcium hydroxide (helps the corn flour bind together). Also, known as “horneadas” – meaning “baked,” these tostadas can be used the same way as a traditionally fried tostada: place the tostadas on a cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes and then spread with refried beans, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite topping.
Each tostada has 40 calories,60 mg of sodium, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 1 gram of protein, and no sugar or fat. Sold in boxes of 20 (8.5 ounces), for about $2.69-$3.69 per box, Charras Baked (Horneadas) Corn Tostadas (Tostadas de Maiz) offer a healthier alternative to the traditionally fried tostada.
If you’re used to fried tostadas, a baked tostada will not taste the same. So, give yourself time because a baked tostada is really delicious if given a chance.
Available at grocery stores nationwide.
I agree! Baked tostadas are the way to go. Why get all those extra calories from unnecessary fat in the tortilla, when you can trade them for the fat on TOP of the tortilla? I like to use baked ones so that I can feel less guilty about the sour cream and cheese.
And, for an even healthier version, the sour cream and cheese can be left off:)
Where’s the fun in that? (LOL)
From someone who loved, loved, loved dairy products (butter, cheese, ice cream) and never thought I could give them up, I don’t miss dairy products at all. Giving them up was a very gradual journey and not a light switch moment but I’ve never felt better (see http://www.nutritionfacts.org) if you want to learn more about dairy.
I do, and thank you for your gentle and tenacious nudge.