Tostones Rellenos
Tostones Rellenos are a delightful dish known for its unique combination of textures and flavors, blending the crunchiness of the plantains with the rich, flavorful fillings.
Equipment
- Deep fryer or large saucepan
- Citrus squeezer or small bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 3 green plantains
- 3 cups vegetable oil
- ½ pound smoked herring
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 seasoning pepper, diced
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Peel and wash the plantains, then pat them dry.
- Cut the plantains into 1.5-inch slices.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to a medium-high temperature for deep frying.
- Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil, ensuring they are fully submerged, and fry for about 7 minutes.
- Remove the plantains and place them on a paper towel for around 5 minutes; they should not be overly dry.
- Use a citrus squeezer or the back of a small bowl to press each plantain slice into a cup shape.
- Place the formed plantain cups back into the fryer or saucepan with enough oil to submerge them, frying until they turn golden brown.
- Boil smoked herring to reduce saltiness, then shred or chop finely for the stuffing.
- Heat some olive oil and sauté the onion, green onions, and seasoning pepper in a frying pan. Add the shredded herring and black pepper, cooking until well combined and heated through.
- Stuff the crispy plantain cups with the prepared herring mixture.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Plantain Selection: Choose firm, green plantains for this recipe. Ripe plantains are sweeter and softer, which might not hold the cup shape as effectively.
- Oil Temperature: It's crucial to maintain the right temperature for frying (around 350°F or 175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the plantains will absorb more oil and become greasy; if too hot, they will burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Shaping Cups: A citrus squeezer or a small bowl shapes the plantain slices into cups. If the plantains cool too much and become hard to shape, briefly reheat them.
- Filling Preparation: Ensure the smoked herring is well rinsed and boiled to reduce saltiness. Also, sauté the filling before stuffing the plantain cups to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Customizing Fillings: Feel free to experiment with the fillings. Tostones Rellenos are versatile and can be filled with anything from cheese and beans to spiced meats or seafood.
- Healthier Options: Consider shallow frying the plantains or using an air fryer for a healthier version. Also, opt for lean meats or vegetable fillings.
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sodium: 200-250mg