Shallow Fried Green Plantains Tostones Recipes

DOMINICAN TOSTONES (FRIED PLANTAINS)

Steps:

• Peel the plantains and cut into 1-inch thick slices.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the plantains until lightly golden on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.
• Using the bottom of a bottle, small saucepan, or tostonera if you have one, press down the plantains to flatten them to about half their original size.
• Return the pressed plantains to the hot oil. Fry until crisp around the edges, about 2 minutes on each side.

TOSTONES RECIPE

Steps:

• Slice the ends off of the plantains. Make three vertical cuts along the length of the plantain, only making sure that you are cutting into the skin. Under cold running water, using your fingers or a butter knife (the tip of your knife works best) to remove the skins. With a sharp knife, cut each plantain into ¾-inch to 1-inch slices. Set aside.
• Mix the 3 cups of water and salt together (just until the salt is dissolved). Place the thick rounds in the salt water for ½ hour or no less than 10 minutes.
• In the meantime, prepare the Ajillo: Using a mortar and pestle, pound the salt and garlic together. Add in the cilantro and break it down until it's pasty. Once that's done, mix in the olive oil and adjust the salt to taste. Alternatively, you can use a food processor or finely chop the cilantro, grate the garlic, and mix everything together.
• To make the Mayo Ketchup Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, mayonaisse, and garlic, and set aside (this will be good for up to 3 days, covered, in the refrigerator).
• Remove the plantain slices from the water and dry them well with paper towel or a kitchen towel. This will prevent oil splatters.
• Heat the oil on medium heat (oil should be around 325ºF / 160ºC). In batches, place the plantains in the hot oil and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with all the plantains, then remove from the oil and drain.
• Place one of the fried plantains between two pieces of parchment paper. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, the bottom of a mug, bottom of a glass, or bottom of a heavy sauce pan or small cast-iron skillet, smash the plantain down until it is evenly flattened (roughly 1/4-inch / 2/3-cm thick. Repeat with the rest of the fried plantains.
• While smashing all of the plantains, crank the heat to medium-high heat (the oil should register 350ºF / 180ºC to 360ºF / 190ºC). After all of the plantains have been smashed, fry them once again until golden brown and crispy. Immediately salt them as they come out of the oil.
• Serve Tostones with Ajillo and or Mayo Ketchup Sauce.

SHALLOW FRIED GREEN PLANTAINS (TOSTONES)

Steps:

• Pre-heat skillet over medium heat with coconut oil.
• Slice plantains into 2 inch pieces. You'll get about 3-4 pieces per plantain.*
• Cut pieces in half lengthwise and peel off skin.
• Place plantains into skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you find your plantains browning too quickly, lower your heat down. You want the inside to be cooked through or your plantains will crumble when you smash it.
• Remove plantains and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain for a couple minutes.
• Place a plantain slice on a flat surface and smash with something flat (pan, plate, bottom of a cup & etc).
• Reheat the oil (you may need to add a little more here) and place flatten plantains into the skillet once the oil has heated up.
• Fry on both sides for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
• Transfer plantains back onto a paper towel lined plate and immediately season with kosher salt.

TOSTONES (GREEN PLANTAIN CHIPS)

Steps:

• Cut the tips off the plantains. Score the plantains lengthwise on both sides and place in a bowl. Cover with boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes. Peel, using a small sharp knife, and slice into 1/2inch slices.
• Heat the oil to rippling in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the plantains for 10 minutes. Remove the plantain slices from the oil (reserving the oil) and place in one layer on a tea towel or several layers of absorbent paper on a counter top. Turn to remove excess oil. Using bunchedup absorbent paper or another tea towel, press down on each slice. Heat the reserved oil to 375 degrees and fry the plantains until crisp and golden. Season with garlic powder and salt.