The island of Puerto Rico is a paradise with very fertile lands, ideal for growing various crops such as plantains, which are very important both for the sustenance of its people and for export. One of the favorite dishes of Puerto Ricans is the delicious tostones, slices of fried and seasoned green plantain, often served as an accompaniment to many main dishes.
The origins of plantains trace back to Asia, but their spread around the world was thanks to the Arabs who brought this crop to Africa. Although Portuguese explorers introduced it to the Americas, it was enslaved Africans who cultivated it in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific coasts.
In Puerto Rico, tostones or plantain chips are a Caribbean dish made with green plantain slices seasoned with salt, garlic, and spices, which are then mashed and fried. They are usually served with a popular pink sauce called mayoketchup, made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and garlic.
Puerto Rican tostones are typically served as appetizers at gatherings or as a side dish to various meat, chicken, or fish dishes, whether for lunch or dinner. To prepare them, green plantain slices are marinated in water and garlic, then fried in hot oil until golden. Afterwards, they are flattened and fried again until very crispy.
This Caribbean dish is simply a delight, as they are one of the favorite snacks that serve as the perfect craving for hanging out with friends and family. For many, nothing beats a good patacón.
