National Dish Equatorial Guinea: Tostones (Recipe)
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Say hello to Tostones, one of Equatorial Guinea’s most-loved snacks! These crisp, twice-fried green plantains are wonderfully simple to make yet utterly moreish, with a golden crunch and a savoury, lightly salted finish. Popular at gatherings and equally at home as a side dish, they carry a proud culinary tradition that ties West Africa to the wider tropical world. Bring a little of the region’s warmth to your own kitchen with this easy, adaptable recipe.
About Tostones
Tostones are a much-loved snack in Equatorial Guinea and are regarded as something of a delicacy. These crispy fried plantains are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty. While they are well known across many Latin American countries, in Equatorial Guinea they represent a distinctive culinary tradition all their own. With their crunchy texture and pleasantly salty flavour, tostones make the ideal nibble for sociable occasions or a versatile side to all sorts of dishes.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 green plantains
- Oil for frying (such as groundnut oil or sunflower oil)
- A few pinches of salt
- Optional: garlic or other spices for extra flavour
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for tostones, look out for green plantains, as these give the ideal firm texture for frying. Make sure the plantains have no brown patches, which would suggest they are overripe. The oils you need are available in most supermarkets, though groundnut oil is especially recommended as it copes well with high temperatures. If you would like to add particular spices or fresh herbs, you can usually find these at your local shop too.
Preparing the dish
Preparing tostones is straightforward and takes only a few steps. Begin by peeling the green plantains and cutting them into slices around 2–3 cm thick. This size allows for even frying and ensures they cook uniformly when you later flatten them. Make sure you have everything ready before you start frying, so you can move smoothly from one step to the next.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep pan or fryer to around 180°C.
- Add the sliced plantains to the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove the part-fried slices and drain them on a piece of kitchen paper.
- Using a flat bowl or a tostonera, gently press each slice flat.
- Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for a further 2–3 minutes until crisp.
- Lift out of the oil, drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt. Serve!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Tostones are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as they consist of nothing more than plantains and oil. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone with intolerances or allergies. Just take care to use only gluten-free oils for frying to avoid any cross-contamination. These delicious snacks are therefore ideal for everyone looking for gluten-free or lactose-free options.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Tostones are a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians, as they contain no animal products whatsoever. To ring the changes, serve the tostones after frying with a vegan garlic sauce or an avocado dip. These dips complement the savoury snack beautifully and offer a great way to add extra flavour. Do bear in mind that any additional garnishes should be vegan too, much as you would when making a hearty Saka Saka.
More tips and tricks
A crucial factor for perfect tostones is getting the oil to the right temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the plantains turn soggy rather than crisp. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the heat. You can also keep the finished tostones warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving, so they stay crunchy right down to the last bite.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for tostones is easily adapted to your personal preferences. You might add different spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper or even fresh herbs to give the tostones a special twist. Equally, the amount of salt can be varied to taste, so everyone can enjoy them just the way they like. Experiment with different variations and find your own perfect combination!
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have groundnut or sunflower oil to hand, you can also use other oils such as coconut or rapeseed oil. These have similarly high smoke points and are well suited to frying. For making tostones, frozen plantains work too if fresh ones are unavailable — the texture will be a little different, but they are still delicious. Try different variations and discover your preferred way of preparing them, just as you might when frying up a batch of Yuca Frita.
Drink pairing ideas
A wide range of drinks pairs well with tostones and complements their savoury flavour perfectly. A fresh fruit juice, such as pineapple or mango, offers a lovely refreshment that harmonises with the saltiness — a chilled Jugo De Mango is an especially fitting match. A cool beer or a light white wine can also make a suitable pairing. Experiment with different drinks to find the ideal combination for your next social gathering.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of tostones can add considerably to the overall impact of your dish. Serve the tostones on an attractive plate or in a rustic bowl. Garnish them with fresh herbs, or offer them alongside a colourful dip bowl made up of a variety of sauces. A creative presentation ensures your guests are delighted from the very first glance!
A bit of history
Tostones have their origins in West African cooking and were carried by enslaved Africans into Caribbean and South American cultures. Over time they were refined in several countries and became firmly established in Latin American cuisine. These tasty snacks are not only a historical treat but also reflect the cultural blending of the regions. Tostones are a truly multicultural dish, and a fine example of the rich variety found across Equatorial Guinea cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tostones
In short, tostones are not just a delicious snack but also a piece of Equatorial Guinea’s cultural heritage. They are simple to prepare and can be tailored to suit individual tastes. Whether you serve them as a snack or a side dish, they are sure to go down well. Give the recipe a try and bring a taste of West Africa to your table!
