Tostones, or Fried Banana. (Venezuela) Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I will be sharing with you a delicious and easy-to-make Venezuelan recipe: Tostones, also known as Fried Banana. If you’ve never tried tostones before, you’re in for a treat! These are crispy, savory, and addictive bites that make a great side dish or a good snack.

Tostones are a staple in Venezuelan cuisine, and they are made with green unripe plantains that are peeled, sliced, smashed, and fried in vegetable oil until crispy and golden brown. Once fried, the tostones are seasoned with salt, making them the perfect complement to any meal.

In this recipe article, I will guide you step-by-step on how to make tostones at home. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make this Venezuelan delicacy, and you’ll love how versatile they are. You can serve them as a side dish, a snack, or even use them as a base for other Venezuelan dishes like Patacones or Tajadas.

So let’s get started and make some delicious tostones that will transport you to the streets of Venezuela with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a new side dish or snack to add to your recipe repertoire? Look no further than tostones, also known as fried green plantains! This Venezuelan recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile and delicious.

The star ingredient in this recipe is the unripe green plantains, which are peeled, cut into slices and then fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. The result is crispy and savory tostones that are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.

What makes this recipe so special is its adaptability. Tostones can be served in a variety of ways – as is, with a sprinkle of salt, or topped with cheese, guacamole, or salsa. They can also be used as a base for other dishes like tostones patacones or tajadas.

Tostones are a staple snack in Venezuela, and for good reason. They are an excellent alternative to traditional potato chips, and they are packed with flavor and texture. Plus, they are a great way to use up any green plantains you might have lying around.

So, whether you’re looking for a fun new snack to try or a versatile side dish to add to your meals, give tostones a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredient List

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to make these tostones fried banana. The ingredient list is simple and straightforward, and you may even have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 green plantains
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salt, to taste

That’s it! Only three ingredients are needed to make this delicious Venezuela recipe food. Let’s move on to the next section to learn how to make these tasty tostones.

The Recipe How-To

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delicious tostones. Follow these easy steps to make your own tostones at home.

Ingredients

2 green unripe plantains
Vegetable oil
Salt

Instructions

Peel the plantains and cut them into slices about 1-2 inches thick.
In a frying pan, add enough oil to cover the plantain slices. Heat the oil over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices to the pan. Fry the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.
Remove the plantain slices from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass cup, smash the fried plantain slices until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
Return the smashed plantain slices to the frying pan and fry them again for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Remove the tostones from the pan and sprinkle with salt.

Note: If you don’t have a tostonera, you can use the bottom of a glass cup to smash the plantains.

That’s it! Your tostones are now ready to be served as a side dish or a good snack. In Venezuela, tostones are a popular snack food and are often served with various dips and sauces.

Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using green unripe plantains, you can use ripe plantains to make maduros (sweet fried plantains).
If you prefer a thinner tostone, you can slice the plantains into thinner pieces.
For a twist on traditional tostones, you can add different spices or herbs such as garlic, cilantro, or paprika.

Serving and Pairing

Tostones are a versatile dish and can be served in many ways. They can be served as a side dish with any main course, or they can be used as a base for toppings such as shredded beef or chicken, guacamole, or ceviche. In Venezuela, tostones are often served with tajadas (fried plantain chips) or patacones (fried green plantains).

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating

Tostones are best served immediately after frying for optimal crispiness. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the tostones in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are heated through.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use green unripe plantains for the best results.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the plantain slices to the pan.
Use

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make with this tostones recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Sweet fried plantains: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try using ripe plantains instead of green unripe plantains. Simply peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices. Heat oil in a frying pan and cook the plantains until they are golden brown on both sides. Sprinkle with a little bit of salt and serve as a side dish or a good snack.

– Patacones (fried green plantains): Tostones are also known as patacones in some countries, like Colombia and Mexico. To make patacones, peel plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices. Heat oil in a frying pan and cook the plantains until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the plantains from the pan and use a flat object (like a plate or a can) to smash each slice flat. Return the slices to the pan and cook until crispy. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

– Plantain chips: If you want a crunchy snack, try making plantain chips instead of tostones. Simply slice green plantains thinly and fry them in oil until crispy. Sprinkle with salt and serve as a snack.

– Tajadas: Tajadas are a popular dish in Venezuela and other Latin American countries. To make tajadas, slice ripe plantains lengthwise and fry them in oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Serve them with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of honey or condensed milk.

– Maduros (sweet fried plantains): Maduros are another sweet variation of fried plantains. To make maduros, slice ripe plantains diagonally and fry them in oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Serve them with a sprinkle of salt and a dollop of sour cream.

No matter how you choose to make tostones, patacones, or other fried plantains, they’re sure to be a hit. Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious Venezuelan recipe.

Serving and Pairing

Tostones, also known as fried banana, are the perfect side dish or snack that can be served with a wide variety of meals. These crispy and savory bites can be paired with both sweet and savory dishes, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

For a traditional Venezuelan meal, tostones are usually served as a side dish alongside beans, rice, and grilled meats like carne asada or pollo a la parrilla. They can also be served with other Venezuelan dishes like arepas or pabellón criollo for a complete and delicious meal.

Tostones can also be a great snack on their own or served as an appetizer. They pair well with dips like guacamole, salsa, or even a tangy aioli. They can also be topped with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a fresh and flavorful twist.

For a sweet take on tostones, try serving them with maduros, or sweet fried plantains. The crispy and salty tostones complement the sweet and tender maduros perfectly, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

In addition, tostones can also be paired with other Latin American dishes like tajadas or Colombian patacones. These dishes are made with ripe plantains and are similar to tostones but are usually thicker and sweeter. Plantain chips are also a popular snack that can be served alongside tostones for a tasty and crunchy snack.

Overall, tostones are a great addition to any meal or snack. They are easy to make, versatile, and can be served with a wide variety of dishes. Whether you are looking for a savory side dish, a good snack, or a traditional Venezuelan meal, tostones are the perfect choice.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you’re planning to make tostones in advance, you can peel the plantains and cut them into slices a few hours ahead of time, then store them in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. This will save you time and effort when you’re ready to cook.

Once you’ve fried your tostones, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, you can either use a microwave or a frying pan. If you’re using a microwave, place the tostones on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 20-30 seconds until they’re warm. If you’re using a frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat, then add the tostones and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re crispy and hot.

It’s important to note that tostones are best served fresh and hot, so if you’re making them in advance, they may not be as crispy as when they’re freshly fried. However, they still make a good snack or side dish, and are a great way to use up leftover plantains.

If you have leftover sweet fried plantains, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can use a microwave or a frying pan. If you’re using a microwave, place the sweet plantains on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 30-45 seconds until they’re warm. If you’re using a frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat, then add the sweet plantains and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re heated through.

In summary, tostones and sweet plantains can be stored and reheated, but they’re best served fresh and hot. If you’re making them in advance, store them properly and reheat them in a microwave or frying pan for best results.

Tips for Perfect Results

When making tostones, there are a few tips that will help ensure you get the perfect result every time. Here are my top tips for making delicious tostones:

1. Use green unripe plantains: The key to making tostones is to use green plantains that are unripe. Ripe plantains are too sweet and will not fry well.

2. Cut the plantains into thick slices: Cut the plantains into slices that are about 1-2 inches thick. This will give you a nice and sturdy base to smash the plantains.

3. Salt the plantains before frying: Sprinkle some salt over the plantains before frying them. This will help bring out the natural sweetness of the plantains.

4. Use enough oil to cover the plantain slices: Make sure you add enough oil to your frying pan to cover the plantain slices. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

5. Fry the plantains until they are golden brown: Fry the plantains until they are a nice golden brown on both sides. This will give them a crispy texture and delicious flavor.

6. Smash the plantains with a tostonera: Use a tostonera or a flat object like a plate or a cutting board to smash the plantains. This will help flatten them and create more surface area for frying.

7. Fry the plantains a second time: After smashing the plantains, fry them a second time until they are crispy and golden brown. This will give them a delicious crunch.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect tostones every time. Enjoy this delicious snack or side dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!

FAQ

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this tostones recipe. It’s always helpful to have some clarification on certain aspects of the recipe or some doubts that may arise when cooking. So, take a look at these FAQs to ensure your tostones are a success.

Can I fry bananas instead of plantains?

While fried plantains are a well-known dish, not many are aware that bananas can also be fried to perfection. When prepared correctly, fried bananas can be a delightful addition to a meal, served as a dessert or enjoyed as a snack on their own. It’s time to give this underrated dish a try.

What’s the difference between fried plantains and tostones?

Get ready to learn how to make a delicious and easy snack that can replace your regular French fries. Patacones or tostones are fried green plantains that are perfect for satisfying your cravings. They are also considered healthier since plantains are a type of fruit. With just one main ingredient and a pinch of salt, you can quickly whip up this recipe.

What country is known for fried bananas?

Bananas that are deep-fried until crisp and golden brown are a beloved treat in Thailand and various Southeast Asian nations, where they’re commonly referred to as goreng pisang.

Are tostones and plantains the same?

Tostones, also called Patacones, are a delightful treat made from green plantains. To make them, we fry the slices, smash them, and fry them again until they are crispy.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, tostones, or fried bananas, are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a snack. This Venezuelan recipe offers a unique twist on the traditional banana, with its crispy and savory flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy this delicious dish right in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you are looking for a quick and easy snack or a flavorful side dish, tostones are the perfect choice. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the delicious taste of Venezuela right in your own kitchen? Trust me, once you taste these crispy and savory treats, you won’t be able to resist making them again and again.