Cuban Tostones (Plantain Bananas)

Cuban toasts

Plantain is a main ingredient in Cuban cuisine. It is used in an infinite number of dishes, and the recipe for tostones or chatinos is not to be missed, a delicious starter of very simple preparation to be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a garnish.

preparation :
First, the bananas are peeled and cut into slices at least three centimeters thick.
These pieces are then cooked in a deep pan with the pork fat, or oil, over medium heat until the bananas begin to brown slightly.
Once cooked, the pieces are removed from the pan and placed on paper towels until cool enough to handle. Then they are crushed with a wooden spatula, punch, or other means.
It is necessary to finish the process by returning them to the hot fat again and letting them brown to taste mostly crunchy or rather tender, as desired. When serving, sprinkle with a pinch of salt or butter with garlic.
These banana slices can also be formed in such a way that at the end of its preparation they can be filled with chopped vegetables, cooked shrimp, tuna, meat or ham and cheese. This is how we prepare tostones rellenos (stuffed), a favorite Cuban starter, essential in a typical menu of the country.