Tostones Parmigiana

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup oil
• 8 ounces Diced Onions
• 3 cubes Crushed Garlic
• 3 large very ripe tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cubes Chopped Basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 package Tostones – Fried Green Plantains
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup water

Directions

In a 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add Diced Onions and Garlic Cubes and sauté for 5 minutes, covered. Wash and dry tomatoes, trim stems and cut in half crosswise. Remove seeds and add to pot. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, tomato sauce and water. Bring to boil and remove from heat. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

Line a pan with parchment paper. Pour 1 cup sauce into pan. Lay Tostones flat in sauce, trimming slices to fit holes. Pour 1/2 cup more sauce on top of Tostones and sprinkle 4 ounces cheese, followed by another 1/2 cup of the sauce. Layer more Tostones, sauce, cheese, then repeat until done, reserving 2 cups cheese for later. Pour remaining sauce on top. Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and increase temperature to 450 degrees F. Uncover pan and top with remaining 2 cups of cheese. Return to oven for 7 to 10 minutes. Cheese should just begin to bubble. Remove from oven and dig in.