Fried plantain is one of the most popular starchy foods eaten by the Caribbean, African, and Latino Communities.Plantains are almost like bananas, but bigger and NEED TO BE COOKED FIRST!! Plantain can be boiled, fried, grilled, and added to soups.This can also be a side dish, or snack when you are entertaining guests.
INGREDIENTS
3-4 Plantains(Green or Yellow*)
Cooking Oil-You can use any cooking oil for this, but Sunflower,Palm and Olive Oils, seem to fry the plantain better, especially if you like your plantain crispy!
Salt and Chilli(Optional)
*Yellow plantains can be tricky to choose, if you dont know how to pick ripe plantains. The plantains should be slightly firm, and be deep yellow and if you wish to eat a riper plantain-It should have black patches on it and be a little bit softer feeling. Never buy soggy feeling plantains, or those which look greyish-black-It is a sign that it is rotten.
METHOD
Wash the plantains, and then with a knife and run the knife along one of the ridges of the plantain. Use fingers to split the skin apart, and peel the plantain, taking care to remove all of the skin. Then depending on the type of **plantain, slice and set aside while the oil is heating.
Fry in batches for around 5 minutes or until softened. Take out of the oil and put on kitchen paper. Pat the plantains to help rid them of excess oil, and with a cup, roll the cup over the plantain gently. This helps to flatten it and provide texture to the fried plantain,repeat this with the other pieces if you want to make Tostones-Crispy Plantains. If not,fry the plantain pieces for around 5 minutes on each side on a moderate heat, turning at least once. Serve alongside drinks(If cooking Tostones), as a side dish with a vegetarian or meat dish and rice.
**SLICING PLANTAINS:Green Plantains are usually sliced in circles, and Yellow Plantains are cut in half and then sliced lengthwise.
Mariposaoro 
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