Categorized | Bits and Bites, Vegetarian
How To Make Tostones And Cookbook Giveaway.
Posted on 29 January 2013
Plantains are an integral part of our diet in the Caribbean as well as in Latin America. Boiled, steamed, fried and mashed, we’ve got various ways to prepare this cousin of the banana. Growing up on the islands boiled ripe plantains was a key component to the spread our mom would put out for our Sunday lunch (biggest meal of the week in most Caribbean islands). These day when I hit my favorite Jamaican restaurant, the man have the nerve to ask me with his raspy voice “wha plantain with dat?” (every freaking time). Man don’t waste my time, you know that I WANT fried plantains! Besides if the meal comes with plantains, you know you need to put it in my container (I pay for dat!).
You’ll Need…
2 green (unripe) plantains
vegetable oil (for frying)
sea salt
Notes: You’ll need green (fully matured) plantains. I used about 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying and the amount of sea salt you need will be based on your tolerance for salt(just a pinch for me). I used a can and some parchment to press the once fried plantains into the tostone shape. There’s an actual tostone press you can purchase for this, but I find the can works great.. you can even press with your hands if you want, just be sure they’re cooled before you do.
Trim off both end of the plantain, then discard. Using a pairing knife, run a cut length-wise along the natural ridges of the plantain (as deep as the thickness of the skin), then using a butter knife, place the blade in the cut we made and peel back the skin. Depending on how freshly picked (harvested) your plantains are they may have a sort of white cloudy sap as you cut the skin. Wear gloves or rub some vegetable oil on your hands to protect them. Especially if you have sensitive skin. Finally cut the peeled plantains in 1 inch pieces and set aside in a bowl of cool water so they don’t discolor.
Put the oil to heat in a fairly deep sauce pan and heat on med/high. Drain the plantain pieces (if you had them in water) and pat dry with paper towels. All we have to do now is to fry them in hot oil for about 4 minutes in total.. be sure to flip them so they cook on all sides. Drain on paper towels and allow them to cool for a couple minutes before we press then and fry for a second time.
Here’s where we’ll now need a bit of parchment paper and a can ( I used a can of soup). Fold the paper in 2 and place a piece of the fried plantain on it, then flip the other piece to cover it. Using a little force, press down with the can to flatten it.
All you have to do now is give them a minute or 2 back in the hot oil, drain and sprinkle on a bit of seas salt and enjoy. If you like potato chips you’ll love these tostones with it’s sort of sweet undertones and crispy edges. They can be enjoyed on it’s own, with your favorite dip or as a side to any dish you normally serve.
Now on to the cookbook giveaway….
Winner Wanted!
Yes, it’s that time again. I’ve got a wicked cookbook to give away to one lucky reader and I’m hoping it’s you. Each recipe comes with a beautiful picture so you know what the dish is supposed to look like, simple step by step instructions and best of all.. they’re very easy to put together. All you have to do is tell me which is your favorite chicken recipe I’ve shared to date (click on recipe index at the top of this page to see the full list) in the comment section below and your name will be automatically entered..
There are two bonus ways you can have your name entered in the contest, giving you 3 chances at winning. Along with leaving a comment below, go to the Facebook fan page and/or the Youtube cooking channel and leave a comment there.
Here are the rules pertaining to winning this cookbook.
- contest is open to everyone globally (even if you won something here before)
- there are 3 ways to enter your name (see above)
- 1 winner will be chosen at random (if you left 3 comments, your name will be entered 3 times)
- contest is open from January 29– to midnight February 25.
- winner will be announced within 1 week of the official close date.
- the winner will have 1 week to contact us with their mailing address
- we will cover all shipping expenses (standard mail)
I hope you take a moment to enter your name as I’d really like to mail this wonderful cookbook out to you. It’s simple, free and fun!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the latest cooking videos, connect with me on twitter and join our community on facebook. oh yea! leave me a comment below – it’s appreciated.
175 Responses to “How To Make Tostones And Cookbook Giveaway.”
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I like the geera Chicken. I hope I win I never have good luck winning anything
hey chris , did anyone i mean , did I by chances won the cook book ,… love your pak choi recipe.
Love all the recipes
Jerk chicken is one of my faves!! I would love to have your cookbook!
Hi Chris. Just love your curry chicken and jerk Chicken recipes they are the greatest.
I really enjoy all your chicken recipies,it is hard to choose. I will stick with the curry chicken with Rice. Thanks Chris,Have a great Day!
I like the Island Style Chicken Strips.
Jerk Chicken Wraps
Hi Chris,
Thank you for all the delightful recipes. It has certainly boost my confidence in having guests over to share our delicious food with the unique blend and flavors. Your generosity in sharing these delectable recipes, is greatly appreciated.
And I look forward to a chance of winning the cookbook!
Good luck to all,
Andrea
Hi, I really enjoy your recipes. If I had to pick a favorite so far it would have to be the smoked turkey soup
I also enjoy your hot sauce and seasoning recipes.
Carla Hunte
Chris you always remind me why our Caribbeam menus are sooooo healthy and gooooood, especially when you put a new twist on old dishes. I always rush to my cooker to try them out and they turn out truly great and to add bonus to your instructions my other half loves my sweet-hand even better which results in me getting a little more attention from him , Lord I tell you that is the greatest part of it all, so please continue giving me tools to a satisfying and happy union with my love ones. Oh! I almost forgot, please accept my submission for your free cook-book give-away.
I like the Island Style Chicken Strips, it's very taste
Hi Chris,
Just found you upon a search for Fried Rice!! Making yours tonight!! Can't believe you don't have your own show yet!! Looking forward to more of your recipes and videos!! Thanks!
-J
Hi Chris love your recepies, but your Simple oven Bar b que chicken is delicious
Love the Classic Jerk Chicken Wings!
Hello Chris,
Have been enjoying prepairing your recipes, took a break from the kitchen for a while was tired of making the same things over&over lost the desire of prepairing a gd healthy meal, but you got me back into the swing of things pretty sure my family thanks you for it. By me being such a big supporter of carribean pot I was hoping I would be the lucky winner of your cook book so i can share and keep prepairing your recipes. I am american but just love the island flavor you give to your dishes. Thanks for getting me back in the kitchen. Natasha
Ultimate Trinbagonian Stew Chicken – my absolute favourite. Its such a unique dish and tastes fabulous.
The curry chicken man! Hands down my favourite! 2nd would be the oven bar B Cue for sure!
Christ i really enjoy using yr recipes it encourages me to be in the kitchen ever so often am telling you that once upon a time i hated the kitchen until the day i came in contact with caribbean pot i must say its HOT. Even my mom is schock of my cooking, thanks Christ. This Tobago girl is loving yr flavors.
Hi Chris, Your recipes are great. My husband is from Aruba, so it is great to be able to make some authentic meals for him. He says that the CURRIED Chicken recipe reminds him of the dish his mother use to make. Looking forward to more of your great recipes. Thanks
Will have to try making this
I loved your Dasheen Bhaji with okra, and your Chicken Curry
I guess I miss the cookbook challenge. I have to get the next one.