Jamaican Pressed Green Plantain (Tostones)

Jamaican Pressed Green Plantain (or Tostones) is a traditional Jamaican staple that is deep-fried and smashed into a crispy, delicious and addictive snack.

If you love French fries or fried breadfruit, you will fall in love with the pressed green plantains. Enriched with Jamaican flavors and cuisine, these plantains are heavenly and a perfect snack for you and your family.

What are Pressed Green Plantains?

Plantain is a very popular ingredient in Jamaica. Both ripe and green.
It is widely used in various dishes and is quite loved by the natives.
A plantain is basically a fruit that is usually used as a vegetable as well. It looks very much like a banana, and people often confuse it with a banana as well. However, if you look closely, there are several prominent differences between a plantain and a banana. Firstly, plantain is usually larger in size. It is a bit harder, and its skin is tough to peel. Furthermore, it can be either green, yellow or brown in color. Also, it is not as sweet as a banana. Furthermore, the sweetness depends on the stage of ripeness as well. An overripe plantain is usually the sweetest. That's why it is also used as a savory apart from desserts.

What is Press Plantain or Tostones?

Tostones is a popular snack in Jamaica. It is a coin-shaped golden brown coloured thing that is pure pleasure. In simple words, a tostone is a sliced plantain that is deep-fried and seasoned with salt. It is not just delicious but is oddly satisfying to eat as well. The reason many people love it is that its texture resembles French fries a lot. It is crispy from the outside, mushy and starchy from the inside. Furthermore, because it is made from green plantains, you don’t get too much sweetness. Thus, when you sprinkle salt on top, it becomes a perfect savoury item ideal for snacking.

What Makes Tostones Special?

Now, if you are wondering what is special about this dish? I say it is everything! This dish has a bit of technique that makes it special. Traditionally tostones are made by pressing or smashing the green plantains. As a result, you get crisp and crunch that makes everyone addicted to it. It is among the most loved snacks in Jamaica. Whether it is kids or adults, you will find everyone eating and enjoying tostones. Above all, it is super easy to make. You just have to slice the green plantains, press them, fry them, and that's it.

What to Serve with Tostones?

Here are a few ideas you might enjoy with your pressed green plantains:

Guacamole: serve these alongside guacamole and enjoy the unique blend of flavors.
Salsa: Bring its tanginess and spiciness of salsa and blends Jamaican and Mexican flavors.
Fajita Spices: Take the traditional tostones to the next level by seasoning them with fajita spices.
Garlic Mayo: simple and subtle flavours of garlic mayo compliment the tostones perfectly well.
Greek yogurt: looking for a healthy twist? You can air fry the tostones and serve them with Greek yogurt.