Shrimp, Black Bean, and Bell Pepper Tostadas

Today has been a very relaxed, "do as little as possible" kind of day. I love that about Sundays :) I extended my "do as little as possible" to my lunch plans as well--I wanted something easy, quick, healthy, and tasty.

As such, I am very thankful for foods like pre-cooked shrimp, canned black beans, and corn tortillas--they made my life so much easier today! This tostada topping would also make a wonderful filling for tacos, so keep that in mind if searching for variations.

The flavors and textures in this tostada were so fun--from the crunchy tostada shell to the sweet, crisp bell peppers; the flavorful and filling black beans, and the plump pink shrimp sitting atop the pile. Love it!

Next time, I may try a black bean puree to see how it turns out. In the meantime, though, this was a good start!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 corn tortillas (or store-bought tostada shells)
• 1/2 a bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup medium pre-cooked shrimp, thawed and tails removed
• 1/2 can black beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Cheese, for sprinkling
• Cilantro and lime for garnish

Directions:

Set oven to broil, and place corn tortillas on a foil-covered baking sheet. Broil tortillas for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure tortillas are extremely crispy, otherwise, they will be difficult to chew!

Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a sautee pan over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add sliced bell pepper. Season with salt and cumin, if desired. Sautee for 3-4 minutes; remove from pan.

Season shrimp with cumin, salt, and pepper if desired; add shrimp to the pan you used for the bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes (remember, these are pre-cooked; you're really just heating them up). Set aside.

Drain and rinse black beans; heat them up (in the microwave or on the stove top--your choice). Season them as you please.

To assemble: take a prepared tostada, and top with beans, bell pepper, and shrimp. Add some cheese if you like, and garnish with a slice of lime and a little cilantro.