Tostones Fried Plantains

 

Fried Plantains

I used to hang out with a Puerto Rican family when I was a teen. Mammy made the best food! I loved the rice she made at every meal. I used to help her in the kitchen so I could learn too! I never did learn the rice, but she did teach me to make the plantains. These are super yummy! We don’t have them often but every once in a while I will see some beautiful plantains and have to make them! They are pictured with a Cuban sandwich and you get that recipe here.  Fried Plantains are also called Tostones.

Fried Plantains Recipe:

Ingredients:

Plantains,
Oil for frying
Bowl of cold water
Salt

Directions:

Place oil in a skillet with high sides or a cast iron skillet. Heat oil to 375 degrees.

Slice the ends off the plantains. Slice down the length of the plantain as shown in the photo below. The skin is much thicker than a banana and doesn’t peel as well.

Cut the plantain into pieces about 2 inches thick.

Fry the pieces in oil about an inch deep. Fry them on each side until lightly golden. Remove and drain.

Using a spatula smash each one to just under 1 inch.

Immediately place each smashed plantain into a bowl of ice water. Let cool for a few minutes.     

Remove and dry thoroughly on paper towel. Towel off the tops too, water in grease in going to splatter big time! 

Once dry, re-fry both sides of them until deeply golden and crisp. Drain, lightly salt and Enjoy while hot!!!