Recipe originally published on September 28th, 2012. Last updated on September 20th, 2015.
I am always fascinated by my changing taste. There are so many foods I love now but as a child, I wouldn't have touched with a ten foot pole. Looking back, I was an extremely picky eater. Then again, I was also a fast food junky at an early age. I was particularly fussy when it came to cheese. Mozzarella and cheddar, both highly processed single servings were what I was after in terms of cheese. Anything else seemed too far fetched. I think the day I realized Parmesan came in giant wheels and not plastic bottles was a game changer.
I have a very vivid memory when my family and I were at a local Mexican restaurant. For one reason or another, I had left my comfort zone of chicken strips and fries (believe it or not, there was a day when I wouldn't eat Mexican), and I had ordered tacos. The tacos arrived with this white cheese on top and I began to question my order, wondering if it was too late to turn back.
My father took one look at my tacos and managed to aid my paranoia with one sentence, "you know that cheese it actually goat cheese, right?"
I freaked out, even with my mom trying to reassure me that the cheese on my tacos was in fact shredded mozzarella (which it was, my dad liked to tease me). To my younger self, the thought of anything goat cheese related sent me running to the hills. For years after that experience I questioned every cheese on my plate. I wasn't going to be fooled again. Fast forward to now and you will find me adding goat cheese to almost everything. I find that goat cheese pairs well with a lot of the dishes I make and I often have to stop myself because I forget not everyone loves it like I do.
I always tend to jump the gun a bit on when I start making butternut squash recipes given that summer produce is still alive and well. But, when I see squash at the market, I'm usually compelled to make a recipe or two. These black bean tostadas are a great way to start the season out. They are packed full of goodness and just a bit of kick from the chipotle
Sweet Potatoes: This recipe works just as well with diced sweet potatoes in place of the butternut squash. I often switch back and forth based on whatever I have on hand at the time.
Cotija: Not a fan of goat cheese? Try some cotija cheese instead. The flavor of the cheese is still pronounced but it doesn't have the distinct goat cheese flavor.
Avocado: Add chunks of avocado to the finished tostada or on occasion, I'll make the avocado cream sauce from these tacos or this cashew avocado cream.
+ For the ground chipotles, you can also use chipotle powder. Make sure you know whether or not the powder is hot and adjust measurements accordingly.
+ Fresh, homemade tortillas really do work best for these black bean tostadas.
Ya had me at Chi.
I'm thinking this is just the way to use the butternut squash sitting on my countertop. Yum.
I love goat's cheese, especially feta, I'm Greek you see, and I couldn't live without the stuff. I can totally relate to your younger self. I was a picky eater as a kid too. Sometimes I think about it now and I realize frustrating it must have been on my mom.
Your dish is something I would try in a flash!
Magda
Love this idea! And so pretty.
I'd like to have a dollar for every happy meal you ate as a child.
As far as teasing you about goat cheese, I can not believe that I would have ever done that......hehehehehehehe!!!!
All of these recipes sound so delicious! I'm hosting a dinner party tonight and still need to decide on a seasonal main dish to make- I've been scouring foodie blogs, trying to get inspiration before I head out to the farmers market. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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[...] Chipotle Butternut Squash, Black Beans and Goat Cheese Tostadas from Naturally Ella [...]
I love black beans and butternut squash together. It seems like such an odd combination, but it really is fab. I love them with sweet potatoes, too. The idea of goat cheese is a fantastic addition!
This definitely sounds like a taco I can get behind! Black beans and sweet squash (and any bright orange fall veg, really) just go so perfectly together.
[...] am currently unflinchingly obsessed with butternut squash. I’m not sure how to spin these chipotle butternut squash, black bean, and goat cheese tostadas so my husband will eat [...]
I vote for a Fall E-cookbook!! 😀
[...] Naturally Ella [...]
Looks delish! Healthy and a great vegetarian dish.
This looks delicious!
[...] (adapted from Naturally Ella) [...]
[...] until the goat cheese is browning and the tortillas is crisp, 10-15 minutes. Recipe and photo by Naturally Ella Share this:StumbleUponDiggRedditTwitterEmailFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. This [...]
[...] to peruse pinterest and I have a dashboard that is dedicated to food I came across this recipe by Naturally Ella and I just KNEW I had to make [...]
I made this last night and all I can say is YUM! I only had canned chipotles but it worked out great anyway. My husband and I loved it and will definitely make it again.
[...] Tasty Tuesday, we wanted to share some veggie tostadas we found on the food blog, Naturally Ella, written by Erin. Now, for all those meat-lovers out there, you might be thinking that the words [...]
[...] Chipotle butternut squash, black bean, and goat cheese tostadas – Naturally Ella [...]
Absolutely loved this recipe!! Turned out super tasty.
★★★★★
So colourful and yummy!
xoxoBella
This is perfect, goat cheese and butternut squash are a perfect pair. Have to try it once!
Yes, yes, YES!!! These look simply amazing!
looks absolutely scrumptiouuus!! yummy
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That's one of the best things about growing up, that you find yourself loving foods (and things) that you used to hate. I would have never eaten this as a child. Goat cheese, beans, and squash? No thank you. But as an adult I know that I would love this as dinner.
This sounds wonderful. And I would definitely want to use goat cheese, since it's the best (I think my favorite is goat Gouda).
This looks SO good! I'm going to have to try it for dinner this week I think! Alice xx
Sounds yummy. I love cheese but as a child, I wouldn't have eaten goat cheese either. I will definitely make these.
Made these tostadas and they were simple and delicious. Thank you!
amazing my husband will love this thanks
Made this tonight, it was delicious. This dish is what we call "serveable," so good we can serve it to guest!
★★★★★
Made this tonight, it was delicious. This dish is what we call “serveable,” so good we can serve it to guest!
★★★★★
Question:
Are you saying to use the liquid that accompanies the canned black beans?
So in other words - I should measure out 3/4 of a cup of black beans and do not rinse them?
Thanks for clarification - looking forward to making
That's correct!