Discover how to make delicious tostones with our easy recipe! These crispy fried green plantains are perfect as a snack or appetizer, and are served with a flavorful garlic dipping sauce. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect crunch and savor the authentic taste of this popular Latin American dish. Ideal for anyone craving a savory and crunchy treat. 

Ingredients:

- 3 green plantains

- Vegetable oil, for frying

- Salt, to taste

For the Garlic Dipping Sauce:

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Plantains:

  - Peel the green plantains by cutting off the ends and making a slit along the length of the plantain. Remove the skin and slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds.

Fry the Plantains:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the plantain slices.

  - Fry the plantains for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Flatten the Plantains:

  - Using a flat surface, like the bottom of a glass or a tostonera (a plantain press), gently flatten each fried plantain slice to about half its original thickness. Be careful not to press too hard.

Second Frying:

  - Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt while still hot.

Prepare the Garlic Dipping Sauce:

  - In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Serve:

  - Serve the tostones warm with the garlic dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your crispy tostones with a zesty garlic dipping sauce!

Nutritional Values

3 Green Plantains

  - Calories: 122

  - Carbohydrates: 31g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

  - Provides a starchy, satisfying base for the dish.

  - Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

Vegetable Oil, for Frying

  - Calories: 884

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 100g

Benefits:

  - Used to achieve a crispy texture for the plantains.

  - Provides essential fats for flavor and cooking.

Salt, to Taste

Salt:

   - Calories: 0

   - Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

4 Cloves Garlic, Minced

  - Calories: 149

  - Carbohydrates: 33g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

  - Adds a strong, aromatic flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and may support immune health.

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

  - Calories: 884

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 100g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness to the sauce.

  - Provides healthy fats and antioxidants.

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds acidity and brightness.

  - Provides vitamin C.

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Salt:

   - Calories: 0

   - Sodium: 19,000mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper

  - Calories: 255

  - Carbohydrates: 64g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 3g

Benefits:

  - Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants.