How to Make Fried Green Plantains (“Tostones”)
You can make lots of dishes and snacks with green plantains. Among the most popular ones are fried plantains, better known in Latin American cuisine as tostones. You can serve them with cheese, guacamole, or with any sauce you wish. What’s more, they are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so they can be a nourishing option to start your day with.
5-Minute Crafts will teach you how to make them. Try out this new alternative for breakfast or offer it to your friends during your next gathering.
Ingredients
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3 green plantains
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2-3 cups of vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Slice off the ends of the plantain.
2. Turn on the faucet. Place the plantain under running water and cut its peel lengthwise.
3. Peel it off by gradually pushing it out with your fingers until it comes off.
4. It’s easier to get the peel off under running water.
5. Use some paper towels to dry each plantain. They should be completely dry before you fry them. If they are still moist, the oil may pop and spatter, and you might burn yourself.
6. Cut them in thick slices of approximately 0.7 in (2 cm) each. You can slice them crosswise or diagonally.
7. Heat the oil over medium heat. After a few minutes, turn the heat up to high and place the plantains in the skillet. There should be enough room between the slices that they can cook evenly.
8. Once they start turning golden, flip them. If you can easily puncture them with a fork, it means that they are cooked on both sides.
9. Carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess fat.
10. Gently squash them on a flat surface.
11. If you like them extra crispy, then they should be completely flat.
12. Once you finish doing this, fry them again. Remember to evenly space them. Wait for them to turn golden-brown on each side.
13. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Serve them with some guacamole and diced tomato, or with any sauce of your choice.
