Tostones (Patacones)
Author: Michele Spring
Servings: 2 -3
Tostones, aka Patacones (fried green plantains) make the most delicious crunchy snack or side dishl. Only 3 ingredients and they're Paleo, AIP, Whole30, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and nut-free.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
- 2 green plantains
- 4 to 6 tbsp 56 to 84 g fat of choice (coconut oil, lard or avocado oil)
- Coarse sea salt
- 1 to 2 tbsp 1 to 2 g chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Slice the tips off the plantains with a knife, then cut 1 or 2 slits in the skin down the length of the plantain. If the peel does not lift off easily you can loosen it by soaking the plantains in a bowl of water with about 1 tablespoon (6 g) of salt for 10 to 15 minutes.
Slice the peeled plantain crosswise into disks to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) wide.
In a large skillet, heat your fat of choice over medium heat until shimmering, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully add the disks to the heated fat, cooking on each side for 2 to 4 minutes, or until they have turned a darker, more golden color. Do not allow to brown.
Remove the disks from the oil and flatten, using a tostone press (recommended) or a sturdy glass/jar or flat meat mallet. If using a tostone press, place the disk in the recessed circle and then clamp down the lid on top.
Return the flattened plantain disks to the hot oil and fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and browned. You will likely need to work in batches to fry the flattened disks.
Add extra cooking fat as needed, because these will absorb quite a bit of fat as they cook. Top with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt and a garnish of cilantro and serve immediately; tostones do not reheat well. Serve with your favorite main dish.
This dish is AIP compliant: No adjustments necessary!
Recipe Reprinted with permission from Latin American Paleo Cooking by Amanda Torres with Milagros Torres, Page Street Publishing Co. 2017.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: AIP, gluten free, Paleo, Whole30
Keyword: AIP, dairy free, gluten free, latin american, nut free, Paleo, Whole30