Tostones

Ingredients

  • 2 green plantains (about ½ per person) cut into ½-1 inch slices
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • salt to taste
  • canola oil for frying

How-to

Fry the Plantains

  1. Cut off ends of plantains and make 3 or 4 lengthwise slits, then peel
  2. Cut them crosswise into 1/2-1 inch slices at a slight angle
  3. Heat oil over medium heat and fry plantains until they change slightly in color, about 2 minutes each side. Don't overcook
  4. Transfer to a plate with paper towels

Mash the Plantains to Make Tostones

  1. Lightly oil the bottom of a small bowl and cutting board and mash/flatten plantains one at a time to about half their width

Make the Garlic Paste "You can skip this step and just fry them again after you mash them"

  1. Finely chop about 4 garlic cloves (2 or so per plantain, more if you like garlic)
  2. Add some salt and a little oil and run your knife through it until a paste forms
  3. Transfer to bowl and add more oil
  4. Brush the garlic paste on both sides of the tostones

Fry the Tostones

  1. Heat remaining oil to medium/high heat
  2. Fry mashed tostones until golden brown
  3. Transfer to a plate with paper towels and let drain
  4. Sprinkle with salt to taste

Note: Can be served as a snack or an appetizer. Great with salsa or guacamole!