How to Start a Tostada Bar: Recipes and Setup Tips

Creating a tostada bar at your next family or friend gathering is a fantastic idea! This article will walk you through making a classic tostada bar complete with a rich vegetarian Chicken Tinga, a delicious Roasted Tomato and Tomatillo Salsa, and Easy Guacamole. Additionally, we will discuss costs and necessary setup to ensure your event is a success.

The Importance of Tomatoes and Tomatillos

First things first, let's get those tomatoes and tomatillos ready for roasting! You will need approximately 15 plum tomatoes (about 4 pounds) and 30 tomatillos (about 3 pounds).

Give them a good rinse, remove the stems, and then place them in the oven at 400°F for about half an hour. Roasting time is flexible, so don't worry too much about being precise. Once time is up, you're ready to move on to the next step.

Chicken Tinga

For the Chicken Tinga, I usually start by brining the chicken. Brining will give you a significant boost in flavor, so I recommend doing it if possible. Alternatively, you can skip this step, but the results won't be as authentic.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of kosher or sea salt with 2 quarts of water. Stir until the salt dissolves, and then add 6 boneless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds). This is a good amount for a mix of adults and kids; adjust the quantity if you are serving more people.

Once everything is in place, you can enlist the help of others to work on individual dishes. Print out multiple copies of the instructions below to make things easier for your helpers.

Vegetarian Tostada Option

For a vegetarian option, you might want to create the vegetarian version of Chicken Tinga. This is a great starting point for anyone who wants to build a vegetarian Tostada as their meal. Follow the same steps, but omit the chicken and add a variety of vegetables and beans to the mix.

Roasted Tomato and Tomatillo Salsa

Another dish to prepare is the Roasted Tomato and Tomatillo Salsa. This salsa is perfect for the tostada bar and adds a lot of flavor and color. Below is the recipe:

6 plum tomatoes 15 tomatillos 1 onion 3 garlic cloves 1-3 jalapenos 20-25 sprigs cilantro pinch of salt squeeze of lime

Roughly chop the onion and cook it in some oil along with 4 peeled garlic cloves. Once the onion has softened, add the following:

2 cans of drained and rinsed beans 1 cup of stock or water 1-3 chipotles in adobo (more details here) 1/2 teaspoon of cumin 1 teaspoon of salt freshly cracked black pepper

Bring the mixture up to temperature and then blend it. You can always adjust the consistency by adding another splash of liquid.

Easy Guacamole

The Easy Guacamole is another popular choice for a tostada bar. It's a great one to give to someone from the younger generation as they usually enjoy making it. Here is how you can prepare it:

4 ripe avocados 1/2 red onion, finely chopped /2 lemon, juiced 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/4 cup of cilantro, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of lime juice

Combine the avocados, red onion, lemon juice, salt, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and serve immediately.

Setting Up the Tostada Bar

Setting up a tostada bar for a simple appetizer dinner with family or friends is not as expensive as you might think. Below are some insights to help reduce costs:

Cost of ingredients: The cost of the ingredients for each dish can vary depending on where you purchase them. However, you can save money by buying in bulk or finding sales. Equipment: If you already have the necessary kitchen appliances, such as a blender and a food processor, you won't need to purchase new ones. You can also use accessories like toasting racks or grills to roast the tomatoes and tomatillos. Decorations: Adding some festive decorations can make your tostada bar even more appealing. You can use wire frames, signs, and themed tableware to give it a special touch.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of setting up a tostada bar for a simple appetizer dinner with family or friends can vary widely. Here are some estimated costs:

Ingredients: Depending on where you purchase them, the total cost of the ingredients for the tostada bar can range from $30 to $60. Equipment: Any additional kitchen equipment you need, such as a blender or a food processor, will add to your overall cost. However, if you already have these items, the cost can be minimal. Tortillas: The cost of tortillas can range from $5 to $10 for a large quantity. Dishes: If you need to purchase serving dishes, such as small plates or bowls, you can expect to spend an additional $20 to $30. Decorations: Decorations can range from $10 to $20, depending on what you choose.

Overall, you can expect to spend between $80 to $120 to set up a simple tostada bar for a small gathering. However, this cost can be reduced further if you already have the necessary equipment and ingredients.

Conclusion

Starting a tostada bar at your next family or friend gathering is a delightful way to share delicious Mexican cuisine. With these recipes and setup tips, you are well on your way to creating a memorable evening. Remember to keep costs in mind and use your creativity to make your event even more enjoyable for everyone involved.