Tostones de Panapen
Tostones de Panapen Recipe - Puerto Rican Cuisine | Ingredients: Breadfruit, Canola Oil, Salt
Introduction
Tostones de Panapen, also known as fried breadfruit, is a popular dish in many Caribbean and Latin American countries. This delicious and crispy snack is made from green breadfruit that is fried twice to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
History
The origins of tostones de panapen can be traced back to the Caribbean, where breadfruit is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. Breadfruit was brought to the region by Captain William Bligh in the late 18th century, and it quickly became a popular food source due to its versatility and nutritional value.
Ingredients
- 1 slightly ripe breadfruit, mostly green with some white mottling
- canola oil for frying
- salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare
- Peel the breadfruit and cut it into 1-1.5 inch cubes.
- Place the cubes in boiling water and cook for approximately 8 minutes or until a meat fork easily penetrates them.
- Drain the cooked breadfruit cubes and fry them over medium heat until they turn golden brown.
- Using a heavy soup can, smash the fried breadfruit cubes on a cutting board to create discs that are about 0.38 inches thick.
- Fry the smashed breadfruit discs again until they become golden brown.
- Drain the fried breadfruit discs on paper towels and season them as desired.
Variations
- Add garlic or onion powder to the breadfruit cubes for extra flavor.
- Top the tostones with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for a tasty twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use slightly ripe green breadfruit for the best results.
- Be careful when frying the breadfruit discs, as they can splatter hot oil.
- Season the tostones with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tostones de panapen with a side of guacamole, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the breadfruit cubes before frying to ensure they are cooked through.
- Use a heavy soup can to smash the fried breadfruit discs evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find breadfruit, you can use green plantains as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the breadfruit cubes ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the tostones de panapen on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve tostones de panapen with grilled meats, seafood, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the tostones in a preheated oven or toaster oven until crispy and heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of tostones de panapen contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of tostones de panapen contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of tostones de panapen contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of tostones de panapen contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Breadfruit is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Alergens
Tostones de panapen may contain gluten if cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
Summary
Tostones de panapen are a delicious and nutritious snack that is high in carbohydrates and fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a quick and easy meal.
Summary
Tostones de panapen are a delicious and crispy snack that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this traditional Caribbean dish in no time.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tostones de Panapen. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Puerto Rico. My abuela, my grandmother, was the one who introduced me to the delicious world of cooking. She had a vast collection of recipes that she had learned from her own mother, who had passed them down through generations.
One day, my abuela decided to teach me how to make Tostones de Panapen, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from green plantains. She explained to me that panapen was another name for plantain, and that tostones were a popular snack or side dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. I was eager to learn how to make them, and so my abuela began to show me the steps.
First, she peeled the green plantains and cut them into thick slices. Then, she fried them in hot oil until they were golden brown and crispy. She showed me how to smash the plantains with a wooden tool called a tostonera, flattening them into round disks. Then, she fried them again until they were even crispier and golden on the outside.
As I watched my abuela work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be amazed by her skill and expertise. She moved with such grace and precision, handling the ingredients with care and love. It was clear to me that cooking was not just a task for her, but a form of art.
After the tostones de panapen were done, my abuela sprinkled them with a little bit of salt and served them hot off the stove. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to try a bite. I took a crispy tostone in my hand and bit into it, savoring the crunchy texture and savory flavor.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my abuela to teach me more recipes, and she was more than happy to oblige. We spent countless hours in the kitchen together, cooking up a storm and creating delicious dishes that filled our home with warmth and love.
Over the years, I learned many recipes from my abuela, but the Tostones de Panapen always held a special place in my heart. It was the first recipe she had ever taught me, and it sparked a lifelong passion for cooking that I carry with me to this day.
I have since passed on the recipe for Tostones de Panapen to my own children and grandchildren, ensuring that this traditional dish continues to be a part of our family's culinary heritage. Every time I make it, I remember the time spent in the kitchen with my abuela, learning from the best cook I have ever known.
As I stand in my kitchen now, frying up a batch of Tostones de Panapen for my loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that my abuela gave me. She may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every dish I create, and for that, I am forever thankful. Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me – it is a way to honor my abuela and the traditions that she passed down to me. And for that, I will always be grateful.