Cooking with Drag Queens: How to Make Tostones

green plantains

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: potatoes

Zucchini is lower in calories and potatoes are more budget-friendly.

Heat 3-4 cups of canola or peanut oil in a heavy deep pan to a depth of 2-3 inches and heat to 350°F.

Peel the green plantains with a big knife and slice them into 2-inch thick pieces.

Soak the plantain slices in a brine made from 4 cups of water, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 cup of kosher salt.

Fry the plantain slices in the hot oil until soft and golden brown.

Remove the fried plantains and let them drain and cool on paper towels.

Smash each piece of plantain using a tostonera or an improvised method such as a hammer or a bowl.

Heat the cooking oil again to 350°F.

Soak the smashed plantain pieces in the salty brine again.

Fry the smashed plantains in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

Allow them to drain on paper towels, blotting to remove excess oil.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic salt, or adobo if available, and serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary