Description
This recipe for Baked Tostones offers a healthier spin on the classic Latin American fried green plantain snack. Utilizing the oven instead of frying, these tostones are crispy, golden, and seasoned simply with kosher salt. Perfect as a side dish or snack, the method involves microwaving the plantains for softness followed by baking until crisp.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large green plantains
- Cooking spray (such as vegetable or olive oil spray), as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large baking sheet generously with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Trim and Score Plantains: Cut off the ends of the green plantains. Score the skin along two sides deeply enough to pierce through the peel but not the flesh, to aid peeling after cooking.
- Microwave Plantains: Place the plantains in the microwave and heat until the centers become soft. For two plantains, microwave for 6 to 6 ½ minutes; for one plantain, about 3 to 3 ½ minutes. The skins will turn black, which is normal and helps with peeling.
- Peel and Slice: While hot, peel off the blackened skins carefully. Cut each plantain into approximately 3/4-inch thick slices, yielding about twelve slices per plantain.
- Smash Plantain Slices: Immediately smash each hot slice flat using the bottom of a jar, can, or a tostonera press. The slices should be flattened but not broken apart.
- Bake Tostones Side One: Arrange the smashed slices on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray and sprinkle kosher salt over them. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Bake Tostones Side Two: Flip each tostone carefully, spray again with cooking spray, and bake for another 8 minutes until the other side is equally crisp and golden.
- Season and Serve: Remove the tostones from the oven, season with additional kosher salt if desired, and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Microwave times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave; check for softness to ensure plantains are cooked through.
- Cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying, reducing fat and calories.
- Tostones are best enjoyed immediately while still warm and crispy.
- If you prefer, you can add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor before baking.
- A tostonera tool makes smashing easier but any flat-bottomed object works well.
