Green Plantain Fritters (Tostones)

Serves     20 pieces

Ingredients

Tostones
3 green plantains
oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
black pepper
salt
garlic powder (optional)

Garlic Dipping Sauce

1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme/cilantro/parsley
black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespooon lime juice
5 cloves garlic, finely minced


Directions

Heat the oil to medium-high while preparing the plantains. Peel plantains and chop into 1 inch rounds. Fry 1 inch rounds for 6 minutes, remove from oil. Drain on paper towels.
Smash each piece until flattened. Use a tostonera – see below – or any canned item. Fry for a second time until golden brown. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you are using it, and set aside to cool.

For the garlic dipping sauce, finely chop garlic cloves. In a bowl, add olive oil, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, lime juice, and garlic. Whisk vigorously and enjoy with hot tostones.

Notes
Here’s a terrific pictorial on how to make tostones.

If you do not own a tostonera (plantain press), you can smash the plantains with any canned item you may have in your pantry. You can purchase a tostonera for about  $9 at Amazon.com.


Country:
Dominican Republic


Notes and Instructions