Dinner/Mains

August 4, 2021

TJP TVP Tostadas

I love taco nights. I also love using leftovers for taco salads the next day for lunch. Once in a while, I mix it up and use tostada shells instead tortillas, which is really like making your own giant nachos! Today, I bring you The Joyful Plateful’s (TJP) TVP Tostadas.

This TVP filling makes a big batch, so that you’re sure to have some leftovers for that taco salad for lunch tomorrow. TVP is the abbreviation for “textured vegetable protein,” a vegetarian meat substitute made from dehydrated soy beans. It’s the perfect plant-based substitute for any recipe that calls for ground beef or turkey, as it is a complete protein, and also high in fiber. TVP takes on the flavor you give it, so it’s easy to season and flexible to use in a variety of recipes from tacos to spaghetti sauce, sloppy joes, and more. You can purchase TVP in most bulk foods sections of grocery stores, as well as packages. When purchased in bulk/by weight, it’s inexpensive because it’s light - it’s a very economical protein source.

I use TVP in this tostada/taco filling to bulk up the black bean, corn, tomato, and chile mixture. In this recipe, I’ve used my own taco seasoning blend, which I love to have on hand, but you can substitute your favorite taco seasoning instead. (Making your own taco seasoning blend is helpful if you’re trying to control sodium intake, as store-bought mixes tend to be high in sodium content.) Serve up your tostadas and toppings buffet-style, so everyone can build their own with their favorite toppings! (And come back for seconds!)

TVP in a large glass storage jar
Dried TVP can be purchased in bulk sections of many grocery stores.

Mixing up the TJP Taco Seasoning blend
Start by making the TJP Taco Seasoning Blend. Combine all the spices in a small bowl, reserve 2 Tbsp. for the TVP Tostada filling, and store the rest in a small jar for future use.

Ingredients assembled for TJP TVP Tostada filling
Assemble your TVP Tostada filling ingredients.

Stages of cooking the TVP tostada filling
To make the filling, saute onions until translucent. Then add spices, tomatoes with chilies, black beans, corn, TVP, and water, then cover and heat through until TVP has absorbed most of the liquid and is fluffy.

TVP Tostada filling in a skillet surrounded by bowls of other toppings including shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro
Serve TVP Tostada filling with all your favorite taco fixings, buffet-style, so everyone can assemble their own!


Original publication date: April 26, 2021

TJP TVP Tostadas

Change up your taco night and use tostada shells instead tortillas - it's like making giant nachos!

Author:

Kira Freed - The Joyful Plateful

Prep:

10

min

cook:

20

min

total:

30

min

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/2 large yellow onion, diced

2 Tbsp. TJP taco seasoning blend (see below)

15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup TVP

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)


To assemble, your favorite taco toppings - such as:

Tostada shells

Shredded cheddar or jack cheese

Shredded lettuce

Diced tomatoes

Diced avocado

Chopped cilantro

Salsa

Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt


TJP Taco Seasoning Blend:

2 Tbsp. sea salt

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

Instructions

  1. Start by making the TJP Taco Seasoning Blend. Combine all the spices in a small bowl, and stir to combine. Reserve 2 Tbsp. to use right away, and place the remainder in a small jar for future use.
  2. Next, make the TVP tostada/taco filling: start by sautéing the diced onion in the avocado oil in a large skillet for 5-7 minutes, until just beginning to turn translucent. Once onions are tender, add the 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning blend to the pan, and stir to combine. Let the spices cook for about 30 seconds, then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir again to combine.
  3. Add the black beans, corn kernels, and TVP to the pan, then add the 1 1/2 cups broth or water, and stir until everything is incorporated. Cover the pan with a lid, bring to a simmer, and let simmer 10 minutes, until the TVP has absorbed the liquid and is fluffy.
  4. Serve TVP tostada/taco filling with favorite tostada/taco toppings of your choice, buffet-style, so everyone can build their own!
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March 19, 2024
Hannah
Sounds sooooo yummy. I will definitely prepare this