Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWalking through the vibrant streets of a Caribbean market, the inviting aroma of fried plantains fills the air, luring you in like a warm hug. I couldn’t resist trying the local specialty—Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones. These delectable bites have stolen my heart, offering a delightful crunch topped with a creamy black bean purée and ripe avocado. What I love about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight appetizers or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, effortlessly adaptable for both vegan and gluten-free diets. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply indulging in a tasty snack, these tostones deliver happiness in every bite. Ready to whip up a batch and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise? Let’s dive in! Why are Tostones a Must-Try Snack? Unique Flavor Profile: The contrast of the crispy plantain and creamy black bean purée creates an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and quick, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Diet-Friendly: Easily adaptable for both vegan and gluten-free diets, so everyone can enjoy these delicious bites. Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for serving at parties or as an appetizer, these tostones will quickly become a favorite among guests! Versatile Pairings: Enjoy them with fresh pico de gallo or zesty lime rice for a complete meal experience, just like you’d find with our Crispy Chilli Beef Rice or a tropical fruit salad. Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Ingredients • Prepare to fall in love with these Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones that are not only scrumptious but easily customizable for dietary needs! For the Tostones Green Plantains – Use firm, green plantains for the perfect base that yields crispiness when fried. Vegetable Oil – Choose a good frying oil such as canola or peanut oil; heat to 350°F (175°C) for best results. Salt – Sprinkle generously on the freshly fried tostones while they’re still hot for enhanced flavor. For the Black Bean Purée Black Beans – Opt for canned for convenience; just be sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium. Garlic – Mince fresh cloves to infuse a deep, aromatic flavor into the purée. Ground Cumin – Add this earthy spice to elevate the flavor profile—feel free to adjust to your liking. Chili Powder – A dash of this will give your purée a gentle warmth; adjust based on your spice preference. Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed juice brightens the flavor of the bean mixture, adding a zesty kick. For the Toppings Ripe Avocado – Dice into cubes for a creamy topping that complements the crunch of the tostones beautifully. Cotija Cheese – Sprinkle this crumbly cheese for a touch of savory richness; vegan cheese is a great alternative for dairy-free options. Chopped Cilantro – Use as a fresh garnish to enhance the herbaceous notes of the dish for an extra zing. Embrace the joy of cooking with these vibrant ingredients, and prepare to delight your family or friends with this tropical treat! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Step 1: Prepare the Plantains Start by peeling the green plantains and slicing them into discs about 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures they fry evenly, creating the perfect base for your Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones. Aim for firm, green plantains rather than ripe ones for the best texture and flavor. Step 2: Heat the Oil In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, as having the oil hot enough is crucial for achieving crispy tostones. You can test with a small piece of plantain—if it sizzles, the oil is ready! Step 3: First Frying of Plantains Carefully lower the plantain discs into the hot oil, frying them for about 2 minutes on each side. Look for a light golden color before removing them. Once done, let them drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil, ensuring they maintain their crispy texture. Step 4: Flatten the Plantains Once the plantains have cooled slightly, use a glass or a tostonera to flatten each fried disc to about 1/4 inch thick. This step is essential to get the desired crunchiness in your Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones. Be gentle, but firm, to ensure they don’t break apart. Step 5: Second Frying for Crispiness Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil, frying them for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to overdone. Let them drain again on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot for the best flavor. Step 6: Prepare the Black Bean Purée While the tostones are frying, combine black beans, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. This savory purée will be the perfect complement to your tostones, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Step 7: Assemble the Tostones To build your Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones, spread a generous layer of the black bean purée onto each fried tostone. Top with diced ripe avocado and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for added creaminess and flavor. Garnish with chopped cilantro for an extra fresh note. Step 8: Serve Immediately These tasty tostones are best served right away while they’re still warm and crisp. Enjoy them as a hearty snack or appetizer, and watch as friends and family fall in love with your delicious creation. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors are sure to brighten any gathering! Expert Tips for Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Oil Temperature: Ensure your vegetable oil is at a consistent 350°F (175°C) before frying the plantains; this prevents soggy tostones. Flattening Technique: Don’t rush flattening the fried plantains! Pressing them evenly ensures they fry uniformly, achieving that desirable crunch. Storage Tips: To keep your tostones crispy, store them separately from toppings in an airtight container—this prevents moisture. Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, consider baking your tostones instead of frying; just slice, season, and bake until crispy! Customization: Feel free to adjust the spices in the black bean purée for a personal touch, creating your perfect version of Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the black bean purée up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and vibrant. Additionally, the tostones can be fried ahead of time and stored in a separate airtight container for up to 2 days; just ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their crispiness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the tostones in a skillet for a few minutes until crispy again, then assemble with the purée and toppings right before serving, ensuring they’re just as delicious as if made fresh! What to Serve with Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Transform your meal with vibrant pairings that perfectly complement these delightful bites. Fresh Pico de Gallo: The zesty blend of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a refreshing crunch and brightens each bite of the tostones. Zesty Lime Rice: This fluffy, tangy side dish enhances the Caribbean flavors of your meal and balances the creaminess of the black bean purée well. Tropical Fruit Salad: A delightful mix of juicy mangoes, pineapples, and papayas brings sweetness and freshness, creating a beautiful contrast to the savory tostones. Spicy Mango Salsa: The sweet-and-spicy flavor of this salsa pairs wonderfully with crispy tostones, adding an exciting kick. Avocado Lime Dressing: Drizzle this creamy dressing over your tostones or as a side dip for added richness and zesty lime flavor. Coconut Water: Refreshing and hydrating, serving this drink alongside your tostones enhances the tropical experience. Margarita: A classic margarita, whether frozen or on the rocks, offers a bright and citrusy complement that elevates your snack experience to the next level. Each of these pairings enhances the crunchy and creamy textures of the Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones, creating a meal bursting with vibrant Caribbean flavors! Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Variations Get ready to elevate your tostones experience with these deliciously creative twists that appeal to various tastes and dietary needs! Vegan Twist: Substitute cotija cheese with vegan cheese to keep this dish completely plant-based while still creamy. Gluten-Free Option: Rest assured, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just verify that the chili powder and other spices are gluten-free. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the black bean purée for an exhilarating heat that dances on your taste buds. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the black bean purée for an aromatic boost. The fragrant aroma will transport you straight to the Caribbean! Cheese Varieties: Try topping with feta or goat cheese for a deliciously unique flavor twist that complements the sweetness of the plantains. Crispy Bakes: For a healthier method, attempt baking your tostones instead of frying them for a lighter version that’s equally satisfying. Mix Up the Beans: Swap black beans for refried beans to achieve an irresistibly creamy texture in your purée, ideal for bean lovers. Add Citrus Zest: Include lime zest along with lime juice for an extra layer of bright, zesty flavor that will awaken your senses. Don’t forget to pair these tostones with our Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds or a vibrant tropical salad for a burst of color and flavor at your next gathering! How to Store and Freeze Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Fridge: Store fried tostones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain their crunchiness, keep toppings separate until ready to serve. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze tostones in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 1 month. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the tostones in a hot skillet for a few minutes until crispy, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. Black Bean Purée Storage: The black bean purée can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, making it easy to whip up these Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones again! Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones Recipe FAQs What kind of plantains should I use for tostones? You should use firm, green plantains for the best results. Green plantains provide the perfect base that yields crispiness when fried. Ripe plantains are too soft and will not give you the desired crunch for your Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones. How do I store leftover tostones? Fried tostones can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain their crunchy texture, keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to serve. If you notice any moisture, consider using parchment paper to help absorb it. Can I freeze my tostones? Absolutely! To freeze, lay the fried tostones in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a hot skillet or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy. How can I troubleshoot soggy tostones? If your tostones turn out soggy, ensure your oil is heated to 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping in a small piece of plantain—if it sizzles, the oil is ready! Also, make sure to drain the fried tostones on paper towels after both frying steps to absorb any excess oil. Are tostones safe for people with nut allergies? Yes, tostones are safe for people with nut allergies, as the basic ingredients (green plantains, oil, and salt) do not contain nuts. However, if you choose to add toppings such as cheese or other ingredients, be sure to check for cross-contamination or any hidden allergens. How long can I keep the black bean purée? The black bean purée can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing for quick assembly of your Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones when the craving strikes! Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones for a Flavorful Snack Crispy Plantain and Black Bean Tostones are delightful bites topped with black bean purée and avocado, perfect for snacks. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 tostonesCourse: SnacksCuisine: CaribbeanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tostones2 pieces Green Plantains Use firm, green plantains for best results.1 cup Vegetable Oil Heat to 350°F (175°C) for frying.to taste Salt Sprinkle on freshly fried tostones.For the Black Bean Purée1 can Black Beans Canned for convenience, rinsed.2 cloves Garlic Mince fresh cloves.1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Adjust to your liking.1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust based on spice preference.2 tablespoons Lime Juice Freshly squeezed for brightness.For the Toppings1 piece Ripe Avocado Diced into cubes.1/4 cup Cotija Cheese Can substitute with vegan cheese.1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro For garnish. Equipment Large SkilletThermometerBlendertostonera Method Preparation StepsPeel the green plantains and slice them into discs about 1 inch thick.Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).Lower plantain discs into the hot oil, frying for about 2 minutes on each side until light golden.Let the fried plantains drain on a paper towel.Flatten each fried disc to about 1/4 inch thick using a glass or tostonera.Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.Combine black beans, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and salt in a blender, then blend until smooth.Spread a layer of black bean purée onto each tostone, top with avocado and cotija cheese, and garnish with cilantro.Serve immediately while warm and crisp. Nutrition Serving: 2tostonesCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesStore fried tostones separately from toppings in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!