Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Belizean Garnaches with Zesty Toppings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Belizean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Enjoy a delightful taste of Belize with these authentic Garnaches—crisp tostada tortillas topped with creamy refried beans, melted Asiago cheese, and a vibrant sautéed vegetable medley finished with a zesty onion pepper sauce. This easy, flavorful recipe brings a traditional Belizean street snack right to your kitchen in just 35 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 15 oz Refried Beans
  • 8 pieces Tostada Tortillas
  • 4 oz Asiago Cheese, shredded

Vegetable Toppings

  • 1 piece Yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 piece Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 large Carrot, diced

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Pinch of Pepper

Garnishes

  • 1 Tbsp Onion Pepper Sauce, for drizzling
  • 1/2 piece Habanero Pepper, optional


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F or follow the package instructions for the tostada tortillas to ensure they bake to a perfect crisp.
  2. Prepare tostadas with beans: Spread the refried beans evenly across each of the tostada tortillas to create a creamy base layer.
  3. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Asiago cheese generously over the layered refried beans on each tostada.
  4. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the diced yellow onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  5. Season vegetables: Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper into the sautéed vegetable mixture, blending the flavors well.
  6. Top tostadas: Spoon the seasoned sautéed vegetables evenly on top of the cheese-covered tostadas.
  7. Add sauce: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of onion pepper sauce over each garnache for a flavorful kick.
  8. Bake: Place the topped tostadas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  9. Serve and garnish: Remove from the oven, serve hot, and add finely chopped habanero pepper on top if you desire extra heat.

Notes

  • For a milder version, omit the habanero pepper or adjust to taste.
  • You can substitute Asiago cheese with a similar melting cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
  • The sautéed vegetables can be prepared a day ahead to save time.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure the refried beans used are free from lard or animal fats.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the best texture—crispy tostadas with gooey cheese.