Tostones pronunciaton tow·stow·nayz
Tostones are the most vibrant quick snack, appetizer and side dish made with plantains. The golden-brown plantain coins are typical in the Caribbean and Latin America, and it’s easy to see why — they’re delicious.
People in Ecuador call them patacones; Colombians call them patacon pisao; the dish is called Frito Verde in the Dominican Republic, and Cubans call them tachinos. For most people, though, the Puerto Rican term, tostones, is the most common. What are tostones? And how to make tostones? Here’s what you need to know.
“How to eat tostones? As fresh as possible and still warm! There’s no better way to enjoy the tropical golden coins!”
Tostones are unripe (green) plantain slices that are deep- or pan-fried, smashed and fried again to become the most beautiful, crispy, but soft one-biters. So, where does this vibrant snack come from? And what’s with its name?
Tostones are made with plantains, although other fruit like pana (breadfruit) and green bananas can also be used. Interestingly, plantains, like all other bananas, are not native to America but to Southeast Asia. The European conquerors brought them to the Caribbean and Tropical South America in the 16th century.
Two versions explain the name given to our favorite plantain appetizer. The Spanish word “tostar” means to toast, and since tostones are toasted food, the name stuck. The second theory is much more interesting.
Legend says sailors and traders used the term tostones for certain coins in the age of exploration, particularly those with the head of the king engraved. The Italian term for a head, “testa,” referred to such coins, and it might have evolved into tostón in Spanish. Since the fried plantain slices resemble coins, people started calling them tostones as well! What do you think about this theory?
How to eat tostones? As fresh as possible and while still warm! There’s no better way to enjoy the tropical golden coins!
Do You Want to Learn More?If you want to learn more about twice fried tostones and other Puerto Rican specialties, book a cooking class with Coqui the Chef.
And if you want to meet an authentic tostones lover, listen to our More Than Rice and Beans podcast episode featuring Ed Rodriguez. The artist and Creative Director has created spectacular animations and illustrations for his own studio, IdeaRwork and Walt Disney Studios. This is a success story you don’t want to miss!
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