Tostones de Plátano

Tostones de Plátano Recipe from Puerto Rico | Ingredients: plantains, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano

Region / culture: Puerto Rico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tostones de Plátano, also known as fried green plantains, are a popular dish in many Latin American countries. These crispy and savory treats are a delicious side dish or snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of main dishes.

History

The origins of Tostones de Plátano can be traced back to the Caribbean region, where plantains are a staple food. Plantains are a type of banana that is larger and starchier than the sweet bananas that are commonly eaten as a fruit. Tostones are believed to have been created as a way to use up green plantains that were not yet ripe enough to be eaten raw.

Ingredients

3 or 4 green plantains, peeled and cut diagonally into six pieces per medium-sized plantain
garlic
salt
ground pepper
ground oregano

How to prepare

Heat a deep pan over medium to medium-high heat. Fry the pieces until they turn crisp. It is recommended to fry a few pieces at a time.
Remove the pieces from the pan. Place them on a firm surface and flatten them thin and elongated using a hard instrument like a roller. Alternatively, you can use a Tostonera, a gadget specifically designed for shaping the plantain pieces into the form of a Toston.
Return the flattened pieces to the frying pan and continue frying until they become crisp. Remove any excess frying oil by placing them on paper towels.
Serve as a side dish as a substitute for French fries. Warning: your diners may prefer these over French fries in the future!

Variations

Instead of flattening the plantain pieces, you can cut them into rounds and fry them to make Tostones Cups, which can be filled with toppings like guacamole or salsa.
For a sweet twist, you can sprinkle the tostones with cinnamon sugar after frying.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use green plantains for this recipe, as ripe plantains will not fry up crispy like green ones.

- Be careful when flattening the plantain pieces, as they can be slippery and may require some force to flatten properly.

- For extra flavor, you can season the tostones with additional spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder.

Serving Suggestions

Tostones de Plátano can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or beans. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Tostones de Plátano is to fry the plantain pieces twice - once to soften them and once to crisp them up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find plantains, you can use green bananas as a substitute for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can fry the plantain pieces ahead of time and then flatten and fry them again just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tostones de Plátano on a platter with a side of dipping sauce, such as chimichurri or aioli, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tostones de Plátano pair well with dishes like Ropa Vieja, Arroz con Pollo, or Pernil.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Tostones de Plátano are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven or toaster oven until they are crispy again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tostones de Plátano contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tostones de Plátano contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tostones de Plátano contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tostones de Plátano contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tostones de Plátano are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Tostones de Plátano are gluten-free and dairy-free, but they may contain traces of nuts if fried in oil that has been used to fry nuts.

Summary

Tostones de Plátano are a relatively healthy side dish option, as they are low in calories and fat. However, they are high in carbohydrates due to the plantains.

Summary

Tostones de Plátano are a delicious and crispy side dish that is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a dipping sauce, these fried green plantains are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. Tostones de Plátano, a classic dish from my homeland of Puerto Rico, had always been a favorite of mine. The crispy, savory slices of fried plantains were a staple at family gatherings and special occasions.

I remember the first time I learned to make Tostones de Plátano like it was yesterday. I was a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up delicious meals with just a few simple ingredients. One day, as we were preparing dinner together, she handed me a ripe plantain and instructed me on how to make Tostones de Plátano.

"First, you need to peel the plantain and slice it into thick rounds," my mother said. "Then, you fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. After that, you smash them flat with a wooden press and fry them again until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside."

I watched in awe as my mother demonstrated each step of the process. The sizzle of the plantains frying in the oil, the aroma of the ripe fruit filling the air, and the sound of the wooden press flattening the slices were all mesmerizing to me. I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

With my mother's guidance, I carefully peeled the plantain and sliced it into rounds. I heated the oil in a cast iron skillet and placed the slices in to fry. The smell of the frying plantains instantly transported me back to my childhood, to the times when my abuela would make Tostones de Plátano for us on special occasions.

As the plantains turned golden brown and crispy, I carefully removed them from the oil and placed them on a paper towel to drain. With a wooden press in hand, I gently flattened each slice before returning them to the hot oil to fry again. The second fry gave the Tostones de Plátano their signature crispy exterior and soft interior that I loved so much.

When they were done, I sprinkled them with salt and served them hot to my family. The first bite brought back a flood of memories, of family gatherings and celebrations where Tostones de Plátano were always present. My mother smiled at me, proud of my accomplishment.

From that day on, Tostones de Plátano became a regular dish in our household. I would make them for special occasions, for family dinners, and for no reason at all other than to savor the taste of my childhood. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own twist with garlic and herbs to enhance the flavor.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down the recipe for Tostones de Plátano to my children. They too were filled with a sense of wonder as they watched me fry the plantains and press them flat. They eagerly helped me in the kitchen, learning the art of cooking from their grandmother, just as I had learned from mine.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take pride in teaching my grandchildren the recipe for Tostones de Plátano. They gather around me in the kitchen, their eyes wide with curiosity as they watch me peel the plantains and slice them into rounds. I guide them through each step of the process, just as my mother had done for me all those years ago.

The sizzle of the plantains frying in the oil, the aroma of the ripe fruit filling the air, and the sound of the wooden press flattening the slices are all familiar to me now. They remind me of the generations of women who came before me, passing down the recipe for Tostones de Plátano from mother to daughter, from grandmother to granddaughter.

And as I watch my grandchildren take their first bite of Tostones de Plátano, their faces lighting up with joy and satisfaction, I am filled with a sense of wonder once again. Wonder at the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together as a family, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.