Indulge in a taste of the Caribbean with our tantalizing Dominican Republic Tostones Rellenos recipe. This culinary masterpiece combines the crispiness of fried plantains (tostones) with a savory medley of fillings, creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each bite offers a symphony of tastes, from tender shredded meats or succulent seafood to creamy cheeses and vibrant spices. Whether enjoyed as a delightful appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a memorable main course, these stuffed tostones promise to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Dominican Republic. Embark on a culinary adventure and experience the irresistible allure of Tostones Rellenos today!

Here's a recipe for Dominican Republic Tostones Rellenos stuffed with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables:

Ingredients:

For Tostones:

• 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

For Shrimp Filling:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lime

For Chicken Filling:

• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lime

For Vegetable Filling:

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup black beans, cooked
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions:

Prepare the Tostones:

1- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2- Fry the plantain slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

3- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4- Using a tostonera or the bottom of a flat, heavy object, flatten the fried plantain slices to about half their original thickness.

5- Return the flattened tostones to the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown. Remove and sprinkle with salt.

Prepare the Fillings:

1- For the shrimp filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add chopped shrimp, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

2- For the chicken filling: In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

3- For the vegetable filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened. Add diced tomato, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, pepper, corn kernels, and black beans. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Tostones Rellenos:

1- Take a flattened tostone and top it with a spoonful of the desired filling (shrimp, chicken, or vegetable).

2- Optionally, add a small slice of cheese on top of the filling.

3- Place another flattened tostone on top to create a sandwich.

4- Secure the tostones together with toothpicks if needed.

5- Repeat the process with the remaining tostones and fillings.

Serve:

1- Arrange the stuffed tostones on a serving platter.

2- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

3- Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.

Enjoy your delicious Dominican Republic Tostones Rellenos filled with savory shrimp, chicken, or vegetable goodness!

Nutritional Values:

here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in this recipe, based on standard serving sizes:

Green Plantains (Tostones):

1 medium green plantain (about 179g) contains:

• Calories: 218
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Protein: 1.9g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:

• Rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.
• High in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium.

Shrimp (Cooked):

3 ounces (85g) of cooked shrimp contains:

• Calories: 84
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in calories and saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy option.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function and reduce inflammation.

Chicken (Cooked, Boneless, Skinless):

3 ounces (85g) of cooked chicken breast contains:

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 3.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

benefits:

• High in protein, promoting muscle development and aiding in weight management.
• Low in saturated fats compared to other meats, contributing to heart health.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium.

Vegetables (Mixed, such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes):

• Nutritional values can vary widely depending on the specific vegetables used and their quantities. A typical serving (1 cup) of mixed vegetables might contain approximately:
• Calories: 25-50
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Protein: 1-2g
• Fat: 0-1g

benefits:

• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and immunity.
• High in fiber, aiding in digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
• Contains phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods, specific brands, and variations in ingredients. Additionally, the nutritional values for the vegetable filling are provided as a general estimate and may vary depending on the specific vegetables used in the recipe.