Tostones

Green plantains, twice fried and smashed between, are one of the most satisfying whole foods you can put in front of yourself on the Autoimmune Protocol. No potatoes, no nightshades anywhere in the pan, and the crisp edge and soft center taste like real food made with real attention.

Green plantains are a source of resistant starch, a type of fiber studied for feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and supporting steady digestion. They also carry potassium, a mineral involved in fluid balance and healthy blood pressure. Green plantains are generally considered low-FODMAP, which is worth knowing if FODMAPs are part of your picture.

Fry them, smash them, fry them again. Salt them the moment they come out of the oil, while they are still hot enough to hold it. A plate like this, made with your own hands, is one small, real pleasure on the way toward Remission.

Ingredients

• 2 green plantains, cut into 1 inch discs
• 1 cup coconut oil, for frying
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Method

• Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the plantain discs in a single layer and fry until golden, then flip and fry about 2 minutes more. Lift them out onto a plate.
• Press each disc down to about 1/4 inch thick using the bottom of a pan or a meat hammer.
• Return the flattened discs to the hot oil and fry about 2 minutes per side, until crisp and golden. Salt while hot and serve.

Air fryer variation

Toss the plantain discs lightly with coconut oil and air fry at about 375F for 6 to 8 minutes, then smash them flat, brush again with a little oil, and air fry 4 to 6 minutes more until crisp. Air fryers vary and these times are untested, so check the first batch.

*Adapted from acleanplate.com*