I first tried tostones at a really cool little restaurant in downtown Atlanta at the Sweet Auburn Municiple Market! Sweet Auburn is a collection of fresh food farmer’s market style vendors and a handful of restaurants. This particular restaurant is Arepa Mia! Arepa Mia specializes in Venezuelan food, specifically arepas. Everything is gluten free and the arepas are delish. But it was the tostones that won my heart! Maybe it's because I'm a finger foods, tapas sort of experiential eater. I love small bites, dipping sauces, and getting to experience lots of different flavors and textures. So give me some tostones with guacamole or some chipotle lime chili sauce and I'm a really happy finger-food-sauce-dipping girl! You can read more about Arepa Mia's story here and if you live here in Georgia make sure you get to the Sweet Auburn Market and check it out! But until then, give these tostones a try! They're delish!
TOSTONES
Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
2 Green Plantains
1/2-3/4 c coconut oil
Salt
Chipotle Chili Powder for a little kick. (opt)
Instructions:
Cut plantains into 1/4" rounds. Peel.
Heat coconut oil in a medium to large skillet over medium heat. Test the oil's temp by dipping a plantain slice into the oil. Once the oil responds with a consistent sizzle, place plantains in the pan. Fry in the coconut oil for a few minutes or until golden. Flip Plantain slices and fry until golden on the other side. Remove from oil and place on a piece of parchment. Place a second piece of parchment over the top of a plantain slice and using a small glass or jar press the plantain slice to create a flattened disc. Repeat with all slices. Place as many of the plantain discs back into the oil and fry until more golden brown on both sides. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt and a pinch of chili powder. Repeat until all the tostones are done. Serve with guacamole or chipotle lime dipping sauce.
Side Notes:
*It may take a few rounds to get the flattening process just right. Too flat and it may fall apart when you try to place it back in the oil. Too thick and it will still be good but doesn’t get quite as crispy.
*It may be necessary to add more coconut oil about halfway through if you’re running low.
Check out my YouTube video here for beef picadillo and tostones! Tostones are toward the middle of the video if you want to skip ahead.
