Definition: Platanos fritos, or deep-fried plantains, are an indispensable side dish in Central America cuisine. However, platanos fritos differ from country to country, dish to dish.
In Nicaragua, platanos fritos sometimes resemble potato chips, scooped from sizzling pots of oil with mesh ladles and served streetside. In Costa Rica and Belize, platanos fritos are softer, slow-fried and slightly caramelized. In most Central American countries, platanos fritos are sold in markets and grocery stores beside the Doritos and cans of Pringles.
In almost every case, they're delicious! If you're in the US and lucky enough to live near a Trader Joe's, the store's Roasted Plantain Chips should tide you over until your next trip to Central America. Or if you're crafty in the kitchen, make your own platanos fritos or tostones!
Also Known As: fried plantains, tostones
