Ah, tostones! A crispy delight that takes me back to sun-kissed afternoons on the beach, with the ocean’s whispers in the background. These crunchy bites, though simple, feel like a warm hug from a tropical breeze—perfect for those days when you crave a little magic in your snack game.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
- Peel the plantains and cut them into slices about 1/2 inch thick. Toss these slices in a bowl with some oil and salt to coat them evenly.
- Arrange the plantain slices on the prepared baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 10 minutes or until they start to brown on the bottom.
- Remove the plantains from the oven and use a tostonera or a makeshift press (like a folded piece of paper and a jar) to flatten each slice to about a quarter-inch thickness.
- Re-spray the baking sheet, place the flattened plantains back onto the sheet with the browned side up, and spray the tops lightly. Bake them for another 15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- To prepare the Mojo Garlic Dipping Sauce, heat a small saucepan over low heat, add oil, and sauté minced garlic for about 2 minutes without browning it.
- Stir in sour orange juice (or a mix of orange and lime juice), oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before serving.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sour orange juice, or 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice + 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Cooking spray
- 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices
- Olive oil, for tossing
- Salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 736 kcal | Carbohydrates: 152.8 g | Protein: 4.4 g | Fat: 19.2 g | Saturated Fat: 2.4 g | Sodium: 26.4 mg | Fiber: 10.8 g | Sugar: 70 g
FAQ
- What are baked tostones, and how do they differ from traditional tostones?
- Baked tostones are green plantains that are cooked in the oven instead of being deep-fried. This method results in a healthier dish with a similar taste and texture to traditional fried tostones, which are higher in fat.
- Can I use an air fryer to make tostones?
- Yes, you can use an air fryer to make tostones. They come out extra crispy and require only a few spritzes of olive oil, making them a quick and healthy appetizer or side dish.
- What dipping sauces pair well with baked tostones?
- Baked tostones can be served with mojo, a garlic-based dipping sauce, or with other options such as guacamole, ceviche, or a zesty avocado dressing.
- What main dishes go well with baked tostones as a side?
- Baked tostones pair well with dishes like Picadillo, Pernil, or Rice and Beans, making them a versatile side dish for various meals.
- How do I prepare the mojo garlic dipping sauce?
- To make the mojo sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then add sour orange juice (or a mix of orange and lime juice), oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Tips
- For extra crispy tostones, consider using an air fryer with a few spritzes of olive oil, which provides a quick and healthy alternative to deep frying.
- When pressing the plantains after the initial bake, if you don’t have a tostonera, use a folded piece of brown paper and press them with the bottom of a glass or a saucer for a similar effect.
- Ensure the plantains are baked until golden brown and crispy on both sides by flipping them halfway through the baking process for even cooking.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a zesty avocado dressing or guacamole, to complement the tostones and enhance their flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (optional, if you prefer using it instead of an oven)
- Tostonera (a press for mashing the plantains)
- Baking sheet (if not already available)
- Cooking spray (for baking sheet)
