Nitrate & Nitrite Free Basil Tostones
Crispy, golden, and finished with a bright garlic-lime drizzle, these tostones are the kind of snack that disappears from the plate before you've even sat down. Green plantains get double-fried in coconut oil — first to soften, then to crisp — so every piece has that satisfying crunch at the edges with a tender center. A quick pan sauce of minced garlic, turmeric, and fresh lime juice gets spooned right over the top, and a shower of thinly sliced basil ties the whole thing together with an herby, aromatic finish. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, which means no cured meats, no packaged seasonings with hidden additives, and none of the preservatives that sneak into so many savory snacks and appetizers. The double-fry method sounds fancy but is genuinely approachable — just a skillet, a glass to press the rounds flat, and a little patience between batches. Serve them immediately with extra lime wedges and watch them vanish.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 large green plantains
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Peel the plantains by cutting off both ends, scoring the skin lengthwise, and pulling it away. Cut each plantain crosswise into 1-inch rounds.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and a plantain round sizzles immediately on contact. Add the plantain rounds in a single layer and fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until pale golden and just tender when pierced with a fork. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!