Tostones and spicy dipping sauce

Last night I made Bahama Jerk chicken for dinner, and decided as a side I wanted to try something besides the usual rice and beans or salad. I made tostones for the first time and they were AMAZING. Super simple but delicious, made from plantains, these are not like the bananas they resemble so closely. Green plantains are starchy and most closely resemble a potato. With that in mind I made a spicy dipping sauce reminiscent of a fry sauce. These are to die for and huge in Caribbean cooking so they fit perfectly with my meal. Give these a try the next time you are looking for a starchy side!

Ingredients

• 2 green plantains

• vegetable oil for frying

• salt to season

• 4 tbsp light mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sugar free ketchup

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cajun seasoning (I have Tony Chachere's on hand https://amzn.to/447Yq3N)*

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

Peel plantains (easiest but cutting ends off, slicing along ridges and peeling off). These do not peel like bananas. Slice into diagonal rounds, as this gives more surface area to crisp up in the oil. Fill a heavy bottomed pan with oil to go halfway up the plantains and heat to medium high. Place plantains and allow them to slightly brown before flipping. Once they have slightly browned on both sides, remove and drain on paper towels. While they are draining line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place plantains on sheet, layer with more parchment paper and another baking sheet. Apply even pressure to slightly flatten, without fully breaking apart. Place back in oil and allow them to cook until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain and season as desired with salt or salt substitute.

To make sauce, in a bowl combine mayo, ketchup, cajun seasoning, garlic powder and cayenne. You can reduce cayenne or omit if you do not like spice. Let sit in fridge for at least 30 minutes.

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