Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 green plantains
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tostones press or flat-bottomed glass
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the plantain rounds in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
4. Remove the plantains from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Using a tostones press or flat-bottomed glass, flatten each plantain round to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Return the flattened plantains to the skillet and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side until crispy.
7. Remove the tostones from the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cilantro Lime Sauce:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for frying the plantains
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 345
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or peanut oil.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the cilantro lime sauce for a spicy kick.
- Top the tostones with shredded chicken, beef, or pork for a heartier meal.
- Serve the tostones with a side of black beans and rice.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantains are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
- Use a tostones press or flat-bottomed glass to flatten the plantains evenly.
- Drain excess oil from the tostones on a paper towel-lined plate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the tostones in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the tostones on a platter and drizzle the cilantro lime sauce over them.
- Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and lime wedges.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Avocado salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the plantains are too ripe, they will be too soft and difficult to flatten.
- If the tostones are too thick, they will not be crispy enough.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the vegetable oil is hot enough before frying the plantains to prevent them from becoming greasy.
Food history:
- Tostones are a popular snack in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, made from fried green plantains.
Flavor profiles:
- Tostones are crispy and savory, with a slightly sweet and starchy flavor from the plantains.
- The cilantro lime sauce is tangy and herbaceous, with a creamy texture from the mayonnaise and sour cream.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the tostones as an appetizer or a side dish with your favorite Latin American or Caribbean meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Latin American
Taste: Crispy, Tangy, Savory, Zesty, Herbaceous