Cuban Tostones are fried plantains. They are popular in many countries and Cuba is no exception. They are delicious sprinkled with just a touch of salt and always best just out of the fryer. You could always dip them in a little left over mojo sauce. They are served as a snack, or as a side with lechon asado or a Cuban sandwich. If you do don’t have a tostonera (tostones press) you can use the bottom of a heavy glass or a food can.
Cuba Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups cooking oil
- 2 green plantains
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a deep-fat fryer or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil heats, cut the ends off of each plantain, and make a slice along the length of the skin. You should be able to remove the peel in one piece, unlike peeling a banana's skin one section at a time.
- Slice each plantain into pieces about two inches long. Add the pieces to the hot oil Fry them for about two minutes until they start to get slightly golden, then flip them over, frying for another two minutes.
- Remove the cooked pieces from the pan, and drain them on paper towels. They will be very hot, so let them cool for at least 1-3 minutes. Take one of the pieces, and smash it in a tostonera (tostones press).
- If you don't have a tostonera, you can easily use wax paper the bottom of a glass or a food can. Place the plantain piece upright on wax paper, fold the wax paper over the top of it, and then smash it until it is 1/4 inch thick.
- Once the cooking oil is hot again, add all of the plantain slices and fry them on both sides until golden brown (about 1-3 minutes). Remove the tostones from the oil, and drain them on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with a little salt
- Serve immediately
