Fritos Verdes (Dominican Twice-Fried Green Plantains)
Local name: Fritos verdes
In short: Thick green plantain slices fried, smashed flat, dipped in garlic salt water and fried again until crisp outside and tender inside. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 300 kcal
Fritos verdes, also called tostones, are green plantains fried twice: first as thick slices to soften them, then smashed flat and fried again until crisp. In the Dominican Republic they are served with almost everything, from fried fish and roast pork to eggs at breakfast, and they are the classic side at beach restaurants. A quick dip in garlic-flavored salted water between the fries seasons them through. The inside stays soft while the edges turn crunchy.
Instructions
- Stir the garlic and 1 tsp salt into the warm water and set it aside to infuse.
- Cut the ends off the plantains and slit the peel along each ridge. Pry off the peel with your thumb and a knife, then cut the plantains into slices about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 160°C (325°F). Fry the slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pale gold and softened. Drain on paper towels.
- Place a slice between two sheets of parchment and press down firmly with the bottom of a bowl or a flat plate until it is about 8 mm (1/3 inch) thick.
- Quickly dip each flattened piece in the garlic water, shake off the excess, and pat it with a paper towel so the oil does not splatter.
- Raise the oil to 180°C (350°F). Fry the flattened plantains in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt and serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the dipped plantains dry before they go back into the oil. Water makes hot oil spit.
- Use plantains that are fully green and firm. As they ripen they turn sweet and sticky and do not crisp the same way.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between fritos verdes and tostones?
They are the same thing. Fritos verdes is the common Dominican name, while tostones is used across many Caribbean islands.
Why fry plantains twice?
The first fry cooks the inside through. Smashing them flat then lets the second fry crisp the surface, giving crunchy edges and a soft middle.
Can I air fry fritos verdes?
Yes. After the first fry and smashing, brush the pieces with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. They will be a little drier than fried ones.
How long does it take to make Fritos Verdes (Dominican Twice-Fried Green Plantains)?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fritos Verdes (Dominican Twice-Fried Green Plantains)?
About 300 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 300 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
