Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 green plantains
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Deep frying pan
- Tostones press or flat-bottomed object
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the plantain rounds for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
4. Remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5. Using a tostones press or a flat-bottomed object, flatten the plantain rounds to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Return the flattened plantains to the frying pan and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side or until crispy.
7. Remove the tostones from the pan and sprinkle with salt.
8. In a separate bowl, mash the avocado with a fork.
9. Add the diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado and mix well.
10. Serve the tostones with the avocado salsa on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for frying the plantains
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canola oil can be used instead of vegetable oil.
- Red onion can be substituted with white onion or shallots.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or basil.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or jalapeños to the avocado salsa for a spicier flavor.
- Top the tostones with shredded chicken or beef for a heartier meal.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantains are ripe but still firm for the best results.
- Use a tostones press for a more uniform shape and thickness.
- Serve the tostones immediately after frying for the crispiest texture.
Storage instructions:
- Tostones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the tostones, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tostones on a platter with the avocado salsa on top.
- Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges.
Pairings:
- Tostones with avocado salsa pair well with grilled meats or seafood.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tostones are too hard to flatten, try frying them for an additional minute on each side before flattening.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the tostones from absorbing too much oil.
Food history:
- Tostones are a traditional dish in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, made from fried green plantains.
Flavor profiles:
- Tostones are crispy and slightly sweet, while the avocado salsa is creamy and tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the tostones as an appetizer or side dish.
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Region: Latin American