Tostones (double-fried plantain slices)
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Tostones are twice-fried, savory plantain slices, a beloved staple across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. They are typically made from green (unripe) plantains that are sliced, fried once, smashed flat, and then fried a second time until golden and crispy. They are often seasoned with salt and served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Tostones are primarily a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, with a moderate amount of fat from the frying oil. A typical serving of about 4-5 tostones (roughly 100g) contains approximately 250-300 calories.
💡 What's interesting
The double-frying technique is key to their unique texture, transforming the starchy plantain from soft to a delightful crispy exterior with a tender interior. Nutritionally, using green plantains means they are a good source of resistant starch, which can act as a prebiotic and have a lower glycemic impact than ripe plantains.