MAIN INGREDIENTS
Tostones is a traditional side dish that's popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in Puerto Rico. Unlike platanos fritos, where only ripe plantains are used, tostones are made with unripe, hard, very green plantains. They are sliced into pieces, fried on each side, then smashed or flattened and deep-fried one more time until they become golden.
Once prepared, the tostones are sprinkled with sea salt and served as a side dish to various dishes. They are often served with garlic mojo sauce (mojo de ajo), either on top of the tostones, or on the side as a dip.
Alcapurria is a Puerto Rican snack made with grated green bananas or taro root (or a combination of both) that are stuffed with meat, then fried. The stuffing is usually picadillo – spiced ground beef with tomatoes. If made with grated yucca, the fritter is typically stuffed with crab meat.
These tasty fritters can be found at numerous Puerto Rican beach kiosks and street corners.
MOST ICONIC Alcapurria
View moreBarriguitas de vieja (lit. old lady bellies) are Puerto Rican pumpkin fritters that are usually made with roasted kabocha squash, flour, eggs, sugar, and spices. The combination is spooned into hot oil and fried until it floats to the surface and develops a golden color.
If properly prepared, the fritters should be crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. It is recommended to serve them dusted with powdered sugar, ideally with a few scoops of ice cream on the side.
Arañitas are a Puerto Rican specialty consisting of shredded and fried plantains. The name of the dish is derived from the eponymous Spanish word, meaning little spiders, referring to the visual appearance of this crispy dish. It is usually served with dips such as guacamole or a garlic-based dipping sauce on the side.
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