Tostones! Recipe

How to make it

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• Cut the plantains, peel and all into disks approximately 1" in diameter; it's easier to remove the peel that way.
• Get a plate or basket with paper towels lining it ready.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, until a few drops of water dropped in makes it sizzle. Add the plantain disks (sans peel) and cook for about 2 minutes on either side.
• Remove with a pair of tongs or a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.
• When they've cooled enough to handle, put the plantain disks one at a time in between the paper (or saran) and smash it flat using a can or glass. (Don't make it too flat or it won't cook right)
• Toss the flattened tostones back into the hot oil and let it cook for another 3 minutes on either side or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if you have to, because the flattened ones will take up more room in the pan.
• When they're done, drain them on paper towels, sprinkle salt on them (if desired) while they're still warm and serve immediately.
• These are sooo good, I'm not even kidding. They taste like french fries, if french fries were made of banana. The ones you get a Kennedy Fried Chicken can't even sit next to these.
• But you know how much pain I'm in right now?? Wow, never again. But gawd, that taste was worth it.