Chicken and Bean Tostadas, Lettuce Leaves, Tomato Soup and Mexican Crema

Ingredients

• 1 large head Romaine Lettuce (Approximately 800-900g)
• 4 liters Water (Cold, for washing)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Lettuce

   • Place the head of romaine on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice off the bottom 1-2 inches of the core.
   • Gently peel the leaves away from the core. Be careful not to tear or bruise them.
   • Inspect the leaves and discard any that are wilted, slimy, or heavily damaged.
2. 2

   Wash the Leaves Thoroughly

   • Fill a large, clean bowl or a stoppered sink with cold water.
   • Submerge the separated leaves in the water. Do not overcrowd the bowl; wash in batches if necessary.
   • Gently swish the leaves with your hands for about 30 seconds to dislodge any dirt, sand, or grit.
   • Let the leaves soak for 2-3 minutes. This allows the heavier grit to settle at the bottom of the bowl.
   • Carefully lift the leaves out of the water and place them in a colander, leaving the dirty water behind. Do not pour the water out with the lettuce, as this will just pour the grit back onto the leaves.
3. 3

   Dry the Lettuce Completely

   • For best results, use a salad spinner. Place a handful of leaves in the spinner basket, ensuring not to overfill it.
   • Spin for 15-20 seconds, or until the leaves are thoroughly dry. Pour out any collected water and repeat in batches until all leaves are dried.
   • If you don't have a salad spinner, lay the leaves in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
   • Place another towel on top and gently pat down to absorb the moisture. The goal is to get the leaves as dry as possible without bruising them.
4. 4

   Store or Serve

   • Your crisp lettuce leaves are now ready to be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
   • For storage, line an airtight container or a large zip-top bag with a dry paper towel, place the leaves inside, and seal. Store in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to a week.

Ingredients

• 1000 g tomato (ripe and red, roughly chopped)
• 1 pcs onion (medium, chopped)
• 4 pcs garlic (cloves, chopped)
• 1 inch ginger (peeled and grated)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 pcs bay leaf (large)
• 1.5 tsp sugar (to balance tomato tanginess)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cup water
• 0.25 cup fresh cream (light or heavy cream)
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté the aromatics

   • Heat butter in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. Once melted, add the bay leaf and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. 2

   Cook the tomatoes

   • Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the pot.
   • Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and become soft and pulpy.
3. 3

   Simmer the soup base

   • Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles.
4. 4

   Blend and strain the soup

   • Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Heavy Cream (at least 35% milk fat)
• 2 tbsp Buttermilk (full-fat preferred)
• 1 tsp Lime Juice (optional, for extra tang)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine Ingredients

   • In a very clean or sterilized glass jar, pour in the heavy cream and buttermilk.
   • Whisk gently for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Avoid over-mixing.
   • If using, stir in the optional lime juice and salt until dissolved.
2. 2

   Culture the Crema

   • Cover the jar loosely. You can use the jar's lid without tightening it, or cover the opening with cheesecloth or a coffee filter secured with a rubber band. This allows air to circulate while keeping contaminants out.
   • Place the jar in a warm, draft-free spot (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) and let it sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
   • Check the cream after 12 hours. It is ready when it has thickened to the consistency of pourable yogurt and has a pleasant, tangy aroma. The time will vary depending on the temperature of your room.
3. 3

   Chill and Store

   • Once the crema has reached your desired thickness and tang, give it a gentle stir.
   • Secure the lid tightly and transfer the jar to the refrigerator.
   • Chill for at least 6 hours before serving. The crema will thicken considerably more as it cools.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Stir before each use if any separation occurs.