Black Bean Tostadas with Chipotle Butternut Squash

09.20.15
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Black Bean Tostadas with Chipotle Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese | http://naturallyella.com

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.

Variations for Black Bean Tostadas

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.

Print

Roasted Chipotle Butternut Squash, Black Beans, and Goat Cheese Tostadas

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Erin Alderson
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Ingredients

Scale
  • Butternut Squash
  • 2 cups 1/4" cubed butternut squash
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1-2 teaspoon crushed dried chipotle peppers (see note)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Beans
  • 3/4 cup black beans, with liquid
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
  • Everything Else
  • 4 to 6, 6" corn tortillas
  • 2-3 ounces crumbled goat cheese
  • Cilantro, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425˚.
  2. Toss butternut squash with onion, olive oil, chipotle pepper, and salt. Spread in a single layer on a sheet tray covered with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until squash is tender and beginning to brown.
  3. In a small sauce pan, combine black beans with liquid, lime juice, honey, and cumin. Cook over medium-low until the liquid has mostly evaporated, 4 to 5 minutes (may take less or more time depending on how much liquid there was). Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
  4. Place the tortillas on a sheet tray and divide black bean mixture evenly. Top with butternut squash and finish with a sprinkle of goat cheese. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until tortilla is crisp and goat cheese is browning. Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro.

Notes

+ 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.

Black Bean Tostadas with Chipotle Butternut Squash | http://naturallyella.com

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35 comments on “Black Bean Tostadas with Chipotle Butternut Squash”

  1. I'm thinking this is just the way to use the butternut squash sitting on my countertop. Yum.

  2. 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

  3. 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!!!!

  4. 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. 🙂

    lingerinrepose.blogspot.com

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. This sounds wonderful. And I would definitely want to use goat cheese, since it's the best (I think my favorite is goat Gouda).

  10. Sounds yummy. I love cheese but as a child, I wouldn't have eaten goat cheese either. I will definitely make these.

  11. Made this tonight, it was delicious. This dish is what we call "serveable," so good we can serve it to guest!






  12. Made this tonight, it was delicious. This dish is what we call “serveable,” so good we can serve it to guest!






  13. 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

hi. 

Welcome to my little internet nook. On this site you'll find over a thousand vegetarian recipes, pantry knowledge, and more. I'm ever obsessed with food from gardening, cooking, and preserving. I hope you'll find endless inspiration on these pages and visit often. 

Virtual hugs, Erin (aka: e.l.l.a.)
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