Hawaiian Tostones
Ingredients:
- For Tostones:
- 3 green plantains
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
- For Hawaiian Topping:
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (preferably a sweeter, Hawaiian-style ham)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tostones:
- Peel the green plantains. Cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the plantain slices in the hot oil until they are golden yellow, about 3-4 minutes per side. Do not let them brown.
- Remove the plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- While still warm, flatten each plantain slice by pressing it down with the bottom of a glass or a tostonera (a special tool for flattening tostones).
- Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the tostones from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Prepare the Hawaiian Topping:
- In a bowl, combine the diced pineapple, cooked ham, red onion, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice and toss to mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Hawaiian Tostones:
- Place the fried tostones on a serving platter.
- Top each tostone with a generous spoonful of the Hawaiian topping.
- Serve immediately while the tostones are still warm and crispy.
Enjoy your Hawaiian tostones!