Artificial Food Coloring Free Cilantro-Lime Plantain Tostones
These crispy, golden tostones are the kind of snack that disappears from the plate before you can even set it down. Green plantains get fried in coconut oil, smashed flat, and fried again until the edges are deeply caramelized and satisfying — then finished with a bright, herby drizzle that ties everything together. That drizzle is the real star: fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, turmeric, and ginger whisked into something punchy and vibrant without a single drop of synthetic dye or artificial flavoring in sight. Every bit of color here comes straight from real ingredients — the golden crust from the fry, the green from fresh herbs, the warm hue from ground turmeric. For anyone navigating labels and trying to avoid synthetic dyes hidden in sauces, seasonings, or packaged snacks, this recipe is a genuine breath of fresh air. It's naturally whole, completely from scratch, and honestly more flavorful than anything that relies on artificial shortcuts. Serve them immediately with extra lime wedges and watch them vanish.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tostones
- 2 large green plantains
- ½ cup coconut oil, plus more as needed
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, divided
For the cilantro-lime drizzle
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, grated garlic, turmeric, and ginger in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.
- 2
Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and a plantain round sizzles immediately on contact.
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