How to Cook Tostones

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Peel the skin from the plantains.

   Cut two slits down the length of the plantains and remove the fruit from the skin.
2. 2

   Step 2: Cut the plantains into 1-inch pieces.

   If you wish, you can cut the plantains at a slight diagonal slant.
   
   This gives the plantain pieces more surface area, and better coverage, when fried. ,,,,,, Try to crush the plantains evenly, so that they are about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) thick each time. , This helps them from oxidizing or turning color.
   
   You want to serve tostones immediately if you can.
   
   For this reason, many cooks choose to do the first leg of frying ahead of time and then re-fry them immediately before serving.
   
   If you plan on doing this, dipping them in water will help maintain their color until you serve them. , This takes anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Soak the pieces in salt water for a few seconds and dry completely.

4. 4

   Step 4: Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a pan and heat it until the oil is moderately hot

5. 5

   Step 5: but not burning.

6. 6

   Step 6: Place the plantain pieces into the pan and fry until light golden on one side

7. 7

   Step 7: about 3 minutes.

8. 8

   Step 8: Flip the plantains

9. 9

   Step 9: and fry for another 3 minutes until they turn golden but not crispy.

10. 10

    Step 10: Take the plantains out of the pan

11. 11

    Step 11: and drain them on a paper towel.

12. 12

    Step 12: Crush the plantains with a heavy cup or flat-bottomed pan.

13. 13

    Step 13: Soak the flattened plantain pieces in salt water for a few seconds.Do this for two reasons: This will make the tostones crispier on the next step.

14. 14

    Step 14: Place the crushed plantains back into the oil and let them fry until crisp.

15. 15

    Step 15: Take out the crushed plantains

16. 16

    Step 16: drain them on a paper towel

17. 17

    Step 17: and salt immediately.

18. 18

    Step 18: Enjoy your tostones with bean dip

19. 19

    Step 19: guacamole

20. 20

    Step 20: and more.

Detailed Guide

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