Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/8 checked
4
servings
1 pinch

salt

to taste

4 unit

green plantains

peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

4 cup

beef stock

warmed

4 cup

oil

for deep frying

4 slice

bacon

cooked and crisped

1 tbsp

garlic

chopped

1 pinch

fresh ground black pepper

to taste

2 tbsp

fresh cilantro leaves

chopped

Step 1
~3 min

Mix salt into a bowl of cold water and soak plantain chunks.

Step 2
~3 min

Place stock in a saucepan over low heat to warm.

Step 3
~3 min

Heat at least 1 inch of oil to about 350 F degrees in a deep skillet.

Step 4
~3 min

Cook bacon or salt pork until crisp; remove from heat and drain.

Step 5
~3 min

Remove plantains from water, drain and dry them on towels.

Step 6
~3 min

Deep fry the plantain pieces until golden brown and tender.

Step 7
~3 min

Remove from oil.

Step 8
~3 min

Flatten the plantains using the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass bottle or a tostonera.

Step 9
~3 min

Fry the plantains again for 30 seconds on each side until slightly crispy.

Step 10
~3 min

While the plantains are still hot use a wooden mortar and pestle to mash them with the garlic and the cooked bacon or pork.

Step 11
~3 min

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 12
~3 min

Alternatively, add the plantains to a food processor with bacon, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 13
~3 min

Process to the consistency of mashed potatoes, being careful not to over-process.

Step 14
~3 min

Place the mixture in soup bowls or wooden pilons.

Step 15
~3 min

Douse with broth.

Step 16
~3 min

Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use green plantains for the best texture and flavor.

Fry the plantains twice for extra crispiness.

Serve immediately while hot.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The bacon or salt pork can be cooked ahead of time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong (Garlic and frying)
Noise Level
Medium (Frying)
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with roasted pork or chicken.

Serve with a side of mojo sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Roasted Pork (Lechon)
Grilled Chicken
Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Puerto Rico

Cultural Significance

A staple dish in Puerto Rican cuisine, often served during holidays and special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Holiday Meal
Family Gathering

Popularity Score

75/100

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