Bean and Vegetable Tostadas

Ingredients

 * vegetable oil, for frying
 * 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas
 * 2 pinches coarse salt
 * 1 (14-ounce) can spicy vegetarian refried beans (vegetarian beans contain no lard)
 * 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar, Monterey jack, or Pepper Jack
 * 1 heart romaine lettuce or ½ head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
 * 2 small plum tomatoes, diced
 * 1 small white skinned onion, finely chopped
 * 2 tablespoons (a palm full) chopped cilantro or parsley

Directions

 * 1) Heat ⅛ to ¼-inch oil over medium high heat.
 * 2) Fry tortillas 30 seconds on each side to light golden, 1 tortilla at a time.
 * 3) Drain tortillas on brown paper sack.
 * 4) Season with a little coarse salt while hot.
 * 5) Heat beans in microwave or small pan over moderate heat.
 * 6) Spread hot beans on tortillas and top with a handful of shredded smoked cheddar or jack cheese.
 * 7) Top cheese with shredded lettuce, diced tomato bits, and chopped onion.
 * 8) Garnish tostadas with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and serve.