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Cocina Criolla / Fried Dishes

Tostones

Tostones are one of Puerto Rico's most popular side dishes and snacks. Made from green plantains that are fried twice, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Tostones are commonly served alongside seafood, grilled meats, and roasted pork, or enjoyed on their own with mayo-ketchup or a garlic dipping sauce. Their simple ingredients and satisfying crunch have made them a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine.

Ingredients

Directions

Peel the green plantains by trimming both ends and making a shallow lengthwise cut through the skin. Remove the peel and slice each plantain into 1-inch thick rounds.

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 325°F (165°C). Fry the plantain slices for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Using a tostonera (plantain press), the bottom of a glass, or a flat plate, flatten each slice to about ½ inch thick.

If desired, briefly dip the flattened plantains into water mixed with the crushed garlic and salt for extra flavor. Drain well.

Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the flattened plantains a second time for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oil, drain on paper towels, and season immediately with salt. Serve hot with mayo-ketchup, garlic sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.


My Favorite Recipe Book

Find recipes like this and more in the recipe book Puerto Rican Cookery by Carmen Aboy Valldejuli. My mother gave me this recipe book on my 18th birthday and it has been my staple recipe book ever since.






Did You Know?

Did you know that the original design for the Puerto Rican flag used a sky blue tone? But when the flag was adopted officially by the Commonwealth in 1952 it featured a dark blue very similar to that of the US flag.