Season 10 - Lunch / S10L02
Tostones Rellenos with Spicy Chicken
Story
Don Luis still remembers when he first had *tostones rellenos* at a plaza kiosk in Old San Juan. The vendor, a jolly woman named Doña Pura, served them with a wink and a warning: *“¡Cuidado, que pican!”* (Careful, they’re spicy!). That first bite was a party — crispy, creamy, and full of heat. 🌶️🔥 Years later, in his cozy rustic kitchen, Don Luis recreated that memory for his grandkids. Only this time, he added his own spicy chicken filling — marinated overnight and sautéed with onions and sofrito. As the aroma danced through the kitchen, the little ones peeked over the counter, eyes wide and mouths watering. 😋👨🍳 With a proud smile, Don Luis handed each one a golden plantain cup, reminding them: *“Flavor this bold needs a brave bite!”* 💪✨
Ingredients
- 3 large green plantains 🍌
- 2 cups cooked spicy chicken breast, shredded 🍗🌶️
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 0.5 tsp cumin 🌿
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika 🔥
- 0.25 cup sofrito (Puerto Rican seasoning blend) 🧅🌿🍅
- 0.25 cup diced onions 🧅
- 0.25 cup chicken broth 🍲
- Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
- Vegetable oil for frying 🛢️
- Garnish: chopped cilantro & lime wedges 🌿🍋
Instructions
- 1Prep the plantains: Peel and cut each plantain into 3 thick chunks. Soak in salted water for 10 mins. Drain and pat dry.
- 2First fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry plantain chunks for ~4 minutes until golden but not crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 3Shape into cups: While still warm, use a *tostonera* or small cup to press each chunk into a cup shape.
- 4Second fry: Return cups to hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy (~3 mins). Set aside.
- 5Cook chicken filling: In a pan, heat a bit of oil. Sauté onions and sofrito for 2 mins. Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and broth. Stir until combined and heated through.
- 6Assemble: Spoon spicy chicken into each plantain cup. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
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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