Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 green plantains
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tostone press or heavy flat-bottomed object
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the plantain slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
4. Remove the plantain slices from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
5. Using a tostone press or a heavy flat-bottomed object, flatten the plantain slices to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Return the flattened plantains to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove the tostones from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
9. Sprinkle the garlic mixture over the tostones while they are still hot.
10. Serve the tostones with lime wedges on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 157
Fat per serving: 9g
Carbohydrates per serving: 19g
Protein per serving: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canola oil or avocado oil can be used instead of vegetable oil.
- Crushed red pepper flakes can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the garlic mixture for added flavor.
- Top the tostones with shredded cheese and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the tostones with a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantains are ripe but still firm for the best results.
- Use a tostone press or a heavy flat-bottomed object to flatten the plantains evenly.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic mixture when sprinkling it over the tostones.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tostones in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the tostones on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, lime wedges
Pairings:
Spicy Garlic Tostones pair well with grilled meats, seafood, or a fresh salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Black beans and rice, grilled vegetables, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the tostones are not crispy enough, cook them for an additional minute on each side.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to handle the hot oil with care and keep a close eye on the tostones while cooking to prevent burning.
Food history:
Tostones are a popular dish in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, typically made with green plantains that are fried and flattened.
Flavor profiles:
Spicy, garlicky, crispy, savory
Serving suggestions:
Serve Spicy Garlic Tostones as an appetizer or side dish at your next gathering or as a snack for movie night.
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