Season 09 - Lunch / S09L09
Crispy Tostón Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Story
It was a sunny afternoon in Don Luis’s kitchen, and the sounds of sizzling oil and salsa beats filled the air. Don Luis was humming along to an old Willie Colón track when his grandson peeked over the counter, eyes wide at the golden tostones bubbling away. “Abuelo, are those tortillas?” he asked. Don Luis chuckled, wiping his hands on his jean-and-leather apron. “Not today, mi amor… these are crispy tostones — the *plantain cousins* of tortillas.” Inspired by a fusion of Caribbean flair and Mexican soul, Don Luis created a playful twist: tostón tacos! Crunchy twice-fried plantain “shells” hugged a filling of seasoned beans and fresh toppings. The real magic came from the creamy avocado salsa — bright, zesty, and just the right amount of kick. One bite and even Luna the pup tried to sneak a nibble! 🐶
Ingredients
- For the Tostones 🍌
- 3 green plantains (peeled and sliced into 2-inch chunks)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Pinch of sea salt 🧂
- For the Avocado Salsa 🥑
- 1 ripe avocado 🥑
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro 🌿
- Juice of 1 lime 🍋
- 1 garlic clove 🧄
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded, optional for heat) 🌶️
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- For the Filling 🌮
- 1 cup cooked black beans (seasoned with cumin + garlic) 🫘
- 0.5 cup shredded lettuce 🥬
- 0.25 cup diced tomatoes 🍅
- 0.25 cup crumbled queso fresco 🧀
- Optional: sour cream or plain yogurt for drizzling
Instructions
- 1Prep the Plantains: Peel and slice plantains into 2-inch chunks.
- 2First Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry plantains for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and drain.
- 3Smash It: Flatten each fried piece using the bottom of a mug or a tostonera.
- 4Second Fry: Fry the flattened plantains again for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy. Sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
- 5Make Avocado Salsa: In a blender, combine avocado, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- 6Assemble Tostón Tacos: Use two tostones as taco “shells.” Spoon black beans onto one, add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and drizzle with avocado salsa. Top with another toston to make a sandwich-style taco or fold gently like a taco with one shell.
- 7Serve Immediately: These are best when crispy and warm!
About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
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