Fried Green Plantains, Tostones Options

[foodiesleuth]

Cocina Cubana
POST: #36
DATE: 4/13/01
BY: Sonia

TOSTONES - FRIED GREEN PLANTAINS

A traditional favorite in Cuban Cuisine, tostones are a savory,
twice-fried type of thick "banana chips" They make great canapes if you
serve them with an assortment of toppings, such as salsas.

Enough vegetable or peanut oil for frying.
Green plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2 to 3/4 inch chunks.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Heat the oil to 375oF in a heavy pan or skillet with fairly high sides.
Fry the chunks of plantain in batches for about 2 or 3 minutes, or until
golden brown. Drain on layers of paper towels.

Arrange the chunks on their flat ends, between layers of wax paper,or a
folded, brown paper grocery bag. Press firmly down with the heel of your
hand until they are flat, but not too thin.

Just before ready to serve, re-fry the tostones until deeply golden colored
and somewhat crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Can be eaten as is,
served with a variety of savory toppings or sprinkle mojo sauce on them.

When I was little, we used to call them "platanos a puñetazos" (a puñetazo
is what you give when you hit something or someone with a fist)