Mini Tortilla Cups Recipe

Tortillas: Small corn or flour tortillas form the base of the cups.

Black beans: Provide a hearty and protein-rich filling.

Corn kernels: Add sweetness and texture to the mix.

Tomatoes: Bring juiciness and a fresh flavor.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice.

Chili powder: Gives a bit of heat and depth.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.

Avocado: Provides a creamy and rich topping.

Lime juice: Adds a zesty and fresh flavor.

Cilantro: Offers a fresh and aromatic garnish.

When pressing the tortilla quarters into the muffin tin, use a small glass or the back of a spoon to ensure they form a well-defined bowl shape. This will help them hold the filling better and create a more uniform appearance.

• corn or flour tortillas - Substitute with lettuce leaves: Lettuce leaves can serve as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to tortillas, providing a fresh and crisp base for the filling.

• cooked or canned black beans - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas offer a similar texture and protein content, making them a suitable replacement for black beans.

• fresh or frozen corn kernels - Substitute with diced bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color, similar to corn kernels.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with diced roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a smoky flavor and a similar juicy texture to tomatoes.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the other spices in the recipe.

• chili powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth and mild heat, similar to chili powder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor, though it should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a spicier kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• diced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole offers a creamy texture and rich flavor, similar to diced avocado.

• fresh lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar tangy acidity, brightening the flavors of the dish.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for cilantro.

• Refrigeration:

  • Allow the mini tortilla cups to cool completely before storing.
  • Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing:

  • Cool the tortilla cups thoroughly after baking.
  • Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
  • Transfer the frozen cups to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating:

  • For refrigerated cups, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
  • For frozen cups, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated and crispy.

• Tips for Freshness:

  • Add diced avocado and lime juice just before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant flavor.
  • Store the black bean mixture separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cups just before serving to keep the tortillas crispy.

• Serving Suggestions:

  • Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or a dollop of vegan sour cream for added flavor.
  • Pair with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for a delightful appetizer spread.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover mini tortilla cups on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the tortilla while ensuring the filling is heated evenly.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the mini tortilla cups on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the tortillas from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly. Note that this method might make the tortillas a bit softer.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the mini tortilla cups in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. The air fryer will help retain the crispiness of the tortillas while reheating the filling.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the mini tortilla cups in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating. This method can help maintain a bit of the tortilla's crispiness while warming the filling.

• Oven: Used to preheat and bake the tortilla cups until they are golden and crispy.

• Muffin tin: Used to shape the tortilla quarters into small bowls by pressing them into the cups.

• Knife: Used to dice the tomatoes and avocado, and to cut the tortillas into quarters.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the tortillas, tomatoes, and avocado.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

• Spoon: Used to mix the ingredients in the bowl and to spoon the mixture into the tortilla cups.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin, chili powder, and lime juice accurately.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

• Cooling rack: Used to let the baked tortilla cups cool down after they are removed from the oven.

Prepare the filling in advance: Mix the black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Use pre-made tortilla cups: Buy pre-made tortilla cups from the store to skip the baking step.

Frozen corn: Use frozen corn instead of fresh to save time on preparation.

Pre-diced vegetables: Purchase pre-diced tomatoes and avocado to cut down on chopping time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the filling and tortilla cups to have extras for future meals.