FRIED GREEN PLANTAINS

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Fried Green Plantains image

Tostones. In many Latin American countries, crunchy tostones are as popular (and served as often) as french fries are here. A single bite of their salty crust and tender interior will tell you why they're so beloved.

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Vegetable     Side     Fry     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Plantain     Gourmet     Vegan     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 4 to 6 (side dish) servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 pound large unripe (green) plantains (about 3)
About 2 cups vegetable oil
2 cups warm water

Steps:

  • Cut ends from each plantain with a sharp small knife, then cut a lengthwise slit through peel. Cut plantains crosswise into 1-inch-thick pieces and, beginning at slit, pry off peel.
  • Heat 1/2 inch oil in a deep 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until just hot enough to sizzle when a piece of plantain is added. Fry plantains in 2 batches, turning occasionally with tongs, until tender and just golden, 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Transfer plantains to paper towels to drain, reserving oil in skillet.
  • Flatten each plantain to 1/4 inch thick with a tostone press or bottom of a heavy saucepan.
  • Stir together warm water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Heat reserved oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Dip a flattened plantain in salted water and gently place, without patting dry, in hot oil. (Plantains will not spatter.) Repeat with several more pieces and fry plantains (without crowding) in 4 or 5 batches, turning occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with tongs to clean paper towels to drain. Season with salt and serve immediately.

There are no comments yet!