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Caribbean · Sides

Tostones

VegEasy

Diet: Veg · Vegan

Tostones is a Caribbean dish. Flatten after the first fry while the plantain is still warm.

Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Total
40 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
Caribbean
Course
Sides

Estimated times for the original batch. Preparation, cooking and listed waiting time are included. Batch cooking can take longer.

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Representative photograph of Tostones.
Representative photograph of Tostones. Garnishes and presentation may differ. Photo credit and licence
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Ingredients

Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.

Serves 4

Plantains

Finish

Equipment

Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; heavy frying pan; spatula; food thermometer; baking tin or heatproof dish of the size stated in the method; heatproof spoon; spatula.

Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed recipe, not every substitution.

Steps

First fry · About 6 min

  1. Peel plantains from 3 green plantains, 750 ml neutral oil and cut 3 cm pieces. Fry in its oil at 160°C / 320°F for 5–6 minutes until softened.

    Check: Look for this result: softened.

Flatten · About 7 min

  1. Drain and flatten each piece to about 1 cm with a plate.

Second fry · About 3 min

  1. Raise oil to 180°C / 355°F and fry 2–3 minutes until crisp. Drain; add ¾ tsp salt, 30 ml lime juice just before serving.

    Check: Look for this result: crisp.

Tips

  • Flatten after the first fry while the plantain is still warm.
  • Judge Tostones by the texture and doneness signs in its steps. Your pan and heat affect how long Tostones takes to cook.

Substitutions

  • In Tostones, replace a plate with a tortilla press.

Storage

  • Get perishable Tostones into the fridge within two hours, or within one hour above 32°C / 90°F. Eat Tostones within two days, keeping it covered at 4°C / 40°F or colder.
  • Bring cooked Tostones to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning it for even heating. When Tostones is part of the meal, serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts straight from safe refrigeration.

Make ahead

  • Prepare the measured ingredients for Tostones one day ahead. For Tostones, refrigerate chopped vegetables apart from the other perishable ingredients. Follow the cooking stages for Tostones on the day of serving.

FAQ

What matters most when making Tostones?

Flatten after the first fry while the plantain is still warm.

What can I substitute in Tostones?

In Tostones, replace a plate with a tortilla press.

Can I prepare Tostones ahead?

Prepare the measured ingredients for Tostones one day ahead. For Tostones, refrigerate chopped vegetables apart from the other perishable ingredients. Follow the cooking stages for Tostones on the day of serving.

Food safety references

FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating

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