Instructions
- Peel the skin from the green plantains and cut each plantain into 6 equal pieces.
- Heat about a half an inch of oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat.
- Fry each piece of plantain on each side for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the frying pan and drain on paper towel.
Can green plantain be fried?
Tostones (Fried Green Plantains) are the favorite Dominican side dish and a Latin food staple. Fried unripe green plantains are fried twice for the ultimate golden crisp side dish! Tostones are Dominicans’ favorite side dish.
Do you soak plantains before frying?
Tostones, or pan-fried green plantains, are practically the Cuban national dish. Soaking the tostones in salt water before the final fry makes them crunchier outside and moister inside, but you can skip this step.
Can you cook green plantain?
When plantains are green, they’re very starchy and are best for slicing and frying to make chips or tostones – fried slices of plantain that are squashed flat and fried again. Green plantain can also be boiled and mashed to use as a starchy base, or sliced into stews as you would a potato.
Should you boil plantains before frying?
No, you shouldn’t. Just cut and fry, no need for boiling before frying. How do you cut plantains for frying? You can cut into cubes, diced, cut into slices, diagonally or round using a kitchen knife and chopping board.
What is green plantain good for?
Plantains contain a good amount of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single cup. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant which may help boost your immune system. As an antioxidant, it may protect your body against free radical damage that’s associated with aging, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
What does unripe plantain does to the body?
It has been observed that unripe plantain contains antioxidant compounds that help prevent diseases and provides vitamins. It generates a slow release of glucose and may help prevent colon cancer and constipation, while lowers cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Why is my plantain hard when I fry it?
You also cut the plantains too thick. When frying like this, they will come out crispy if thinly sliced but will be hard if the plantain is too thick. If you want softer plantains, you need to cook them slowly and for a longer period of time. Just like a potato.
How do you know when a plantain is ready to be fried?
Plantains can be cooked when they’re green or yellow but, for frying, they’re best when they’re mostly black with a little bit of yellow still left. I once tried frying plantains when they were still mostly yellow with a few black spots, and they were a little on the dry side and not as flavorful.
Why do you dip plantains in water?
Dipping in the lime water prevents the tostones from turning brown during the time in-between. It infuses extra flavor. That water seeps into the cracks in the plantain that open up after smashing, and that garlic, lime, and salt are able to permeate the surface.
How do you cook plantains that aren’t ripe?
- Thinly slice plantains into chips with a mandoline. Soak in a bowl of salted cold water for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F.
- Drain plantains and pat dry.
- Let cool and serve.
What do green plantains taste like?
Taste? Green plantains taste a little like a potato but are starchier in texture, and can be fried along with a yam or even a sweet potato. When they are green you can do the same with them as you can with a potato in terms of cooking them. As they ripen, they get sweeter.
How do you know if a green plantain is ripe?
Green plantains are destined for tostones. As plantains ripen, they turn yellow, then develop some brown spots, and eventually (really, this can take weeks) reach peak ripeness, at which point they’re very dark brown, nearly black.
How long should I boil green plantains?
Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook in boiling water, covered until tender. Let the plantains cook about 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and serve as desired.
Can you fry plantain after boiling?
If you have ever wondered how to cook plantain then you are in the right place, I’m going to show you how to bake it, boil it, grill it and fry it. Plantain is tasty cooked any way but it all depends on the ripeness of the plantain in what cooking method you will choose.
How long does it take to cook plantain?
Carefully remove the skin and cut the plantains into equal pieces. Add these pieces in boiling salted water and let them cook for about 15 minutes. If you are using unripe plantains, cook them for 20 minutes. Once they are tender, drain them and serve.
Do plantains make you poop?
Plantain Fiber Benefits
The insoluble fiber helps add bulk to your stool and lowers your risk for constipation, while the soluble fiber helps lower your blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels, lowering your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Can a diabetic eat plantain?
Health Benefits of Plantains
Diabetes: In Nigeria, people use plantains as a natural way to manage diabetes. Some studies show they may have a hypoglycemic effect, or help control blood sugar levels, especially unripe plantains. The fiber in plantains could help your blood sugar levels stay steady longer.
Which is healthier banana or plantain?
They are both healthy sources of complex carbohydrates. Plantains contain roughly 32 grams of carbs per 100-gram serving, while bananas contain about 23 grams.
They’re both very nutritious.
| Bananas | Plantains | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 89 | 122 |
| Carbs | 23 grams | 32 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams | 2 grams |
| Potassium | 358 mg | 487 mg |
Can unripe plantain cure blood pressure?
Maintains blood pressure control
Plantains are high in potassium, a mineral that aids in the treatment of hypertension. One large green plantain can give you around 44 percent of your daily potassium requirement. Unripe plantain’s low sodium level makes them ideal for hypertensive people.
Can I eat raw unripe plantain?
Boiled unripe plantain is good for diabetic patients, it is also good for aged people. It contains vitamin A and C, Minerals such as potassium and a healthy helping of fiber. Either eating it in boiled, roasted or fried, plantain consumption is good for you. You might just consider it as your next meal.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.