Well, this is my new favorite thing.
Honestly. These are such a treat, and also how cute are they?!
They make perfect appetizers for a dinner party or vegan meet up. Or just do what I did and make them all for yourself.
I usually bring things I’ve cooked into work to share and get feedback on recipes I’ve created, but I brought these in yesterday and didn’t share a single one.
I kept popping into the break room between clients to sneak bites of these and it somehow made my super busy day so much more bearable.
Today I am making them again, because they are just, that, good.
I really don’t know what to call these. Tostones are actually a simple dish of crispy, twice fried plantains. But I wanted to spice them up a bit.
These are made from a base of tostones molded into a mini muffin tin while still hot, stuffed with refried beans, and topped with salsa verde and cashew cheese. Holy yum.
Honestly I would order these in a restaurant.
Use whichever beans you prefer, red beans don’t bother my stomach like black beans do, but I’m sure black beans would be amazing if that’s what you have on hand.
If you still eat dairy you could top these with some crumbled queso fresco, but I love having some fully plant based meals in my arsenal and think cashew cheese works beautifully in this recipe.
If you like plantains, give these a try, this is just one of many ways to enjoy the super versatile ingredient.
Ingredients
Spice mix – zest of 1 lime, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 large plantain – more on the green side
4 tbsp. coconut oil divided
1/2 cup beans (I prefer kidney)
4 tbsp. salsa verde divided (I prefer herdez brand)
1 clove garlic
3 tbsp. water
Directions
Heat 2 tbsps. oil in a skillet on medium low
Cut the plantains into 1″ pieces and fry on all sided until golden (don’t let them get dark brown turn the oil temp down if needed)
Remove from heat, drain on a paper towel a few minutes and then smash to about 1/4 inch flat with the back of a heavy glass
Add the remaining oil and fry again until golden and crispy
Sprinkle with 1/2 of the spice mix
While still warm use the back of a metal tablespoon to press the plantains into a mini muffin tin, let cool
Add the beans to the pan the plantains were fried in, pour in the spice mix, half of the salsa verde, and the water, fry and mash into a paste
Fill the plantain cups with the refried beans
Drizzle with remaining salsa, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and top with cashew cheese
If you try this recipe and like it please pin it or Instagram it and tag me @tha_wild_sage
