With Alex Pardo
In its’ simplest form a tostada is a type of open sandwich or pizza popular in Latin America. You make them by frying a corn tortilla and then layering on ingredients such as refried beans, lettuce, tomato, a meat or seafood and then topping it off with cheese. Alex Pardo, owner and Chef of Jalapenos Restaurant, likes to make them the way they eat them in Mexico, layering on the ingredients and eating it like a slice of pizza.
The origin of Tostadas is supposed to be from the need to use an older or stale tortilla, much like older bread is used for toast or bread crumbs. Once the tortilla is fried it becomes crispy and moist from the oil, and that combined with the toppings makes a tasty little meal. Instead of the dough being soft like a pizza, it is crisp and crunchy. In Mexico they are very popular as an outside food sold by vendors around the parks. The most popular version is with pork. They are a good party food because they are made ahead and left out for the guests in smaller sizes as an appetizer.
This video was filmed in the Doyon's Kitchen & Appliance Showroom at the Doyon's location in Gloucester, MA. You can obtain more information at their web site; www.doyonsappliance.com
