
Tostones are twice-fried green plantain slices, a beloved staple in Caribbean, Latin American, and West African cuisines. They are typically served with a side of simple crackers, like saltines, which provide a neutral, crunchy contrast to the savory, starchy plantains. The dish is a common snack, appetizer, or side dish.
This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from both the plantains and crackers, with a moderate amount of fat from frying. It provides key nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6 from the plantains, with a rough calorie estimate of 300-400 kcal per typical serving.
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90 mg |
Per 1 serving (approx. 150g tostones + 30g crackers) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, tostones represent a resourceful use of unripe plantains, transforming a hard, starchy fruit into a crispy, savory treat. The pairing with plain crackers is a simple, home-style touch that highlights the tostones' flavor and adds a textural counterpoint.