Tostones
Tostones is a traditional Cuban dish of twice-fried green plantains which are often served as side dish or can be used as a base for other dishes. It is a simple, yet delicious and staple dish in Cuban cuisine.
Here is a simple recipe for making tostones (fried green plantains) at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 green plantains
- Oil for frying
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the plantain slices.
- Add the plantain slices to the pan and fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the plantains from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Use a tostonera or a flat bottomed pot to press the tostones until they are about 1/4 inch thick or use a fork or any other flat bottomed kitchen tool.
- Return the flattened tostones to the pan and fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the tostones from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Sprinkle salt over the tostones, if desired, and serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Please note that the time and temperature of frying can vary based on the type of oil, the stove and the thickness of the slices. Feel free to adjust the time to your preference.
Tips for preparation of Tostones
Here is a simple recipe for making tostones (fried green plantains) at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 green plantains
- Oil for frying
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the plantain slices.
- Add the plantain slices to the pan and fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the plantains from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Use a tostonera or a flat bottomed pot to press the tostones until they are about 1/4 inch thick or use a fork or any other flat bottomed kitchen tool.
- Return the flattened tostones to the pan and fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the tostones from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Sprinkle salt over the tostones, if desired, and serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Please note that the time and temperature of frying can vary based on the type of oil, the stove and the thickness of the slices. Feel free to adjust the time to your preference.
Tostones serving size
A traditional serving size of Tostones typically consists of 2 to 3 pieces per person. As they are usually consumed as a side dish or as a base for other dishes, so one serving can be considered as an addition to a main dish.
It’s always good to remember that the serving size can change depending on the context and the meal, it could also be served as a snack or appetizer, in that case the serving size may vary.
Also, it is worth noting that Tostones are often made in larger batches and they can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This way you can make a big batch of Tostones and fry them as you need, which makes them perfect for entertaining and feeding a crowd.
Tostones nutrition value
Tostones are made from plantains, which are a type of starchy fruit that is similar to a banana. As with most fried foods, Tostones are relatively high in calories and fat, but they do offer some nutritional benefits. Here is an overview of the approximate nutritional values of traditional Tostones per 3.5 oz (100 g) serving:
- Calories: 153
- Total Fat: 4g (6% of the daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3% of the daily value)
- Cholesterol: 0mg (0% of the daily value)
- Sodium: 1mg (0% of the daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g (11% of the daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% of the daily value)
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
As Tostones are made from plantains, they are also a source of potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Potassium is important for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body, Vitamin A supports vision and Vitamin C is important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and overall health.
It’s important to note that these nutritional values may vary depending on the oil and salt used, serving size and how they are prepared. Also it is always better to moderate the consumption of deep fried foods and pair it with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.