Tostones

Bananas are the #1 item on our grocery list every week, so I want to get more familiar with their cousin: the plantain! Green plantains are more starchy than sweet, which is why they are typically cooked before eating. Check out this great article on the benefits of adding this green fruit to your diet!

This tasty chip-like snack was the perfect place to start experimenting.

Ingredients:

• 1 plantain, green-yellow in colour
• 1/4 cup avocado oil, for frying
• Sea salt

Directions:

1. Cut the ends off the plantain. Run your knife gently through the skin lengthways down the fruit (making sure not to cut into the fruit inside), in 3-4 different spots. Peel back the skin.
2. Slice the plantain into 1 1/2” thick slices. Soak in cold water while the oil heats up for a crispier result.
3. Add a light layer of avocado oil to a cast iron pan (just enough to coat the bottom but not so much that the plantains will be submerged) and heat over medium high. Pat the plantain slices dry, then fry 2 minutes per side.
4. Place on a cloth to absorb some of the oil, let cool a couple minutes, then gently smash the plantains with the bottom of a mug or glass jar.
5. Fry again 2 minutes per side.
6. Place on the cloth and sprinkle with sea salt.

Enjoy with your favourite guacamole or chipotle aioli dip!