Fried Plantains

By

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 3 garlic cloves -- smashed
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt -- plus
  • extra for seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 green plantains

Preparation

Step 1

Combine water, garlic and salt in medium-size glass bowl and set aside.

In a large (12-inch) saute pan, heat oil to 325 degrees. Peel plantains and slice crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Carefully add plantains to oil and fry until golden yellow in color, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side. (The oil should come halfway up the side of the plantain).

With a spider or slotted spoon, remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, standing them on their ends. With the back of a wide, wooden spatula, press each piece of plantain down to half its original size. Then place the plantains in the water and let soak for 1 minute. Remove and pat dry with a tea towel to remove excess water.

Bring oil back up to 325 degrees and return plantains to pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a dish lined with paper towels, and sprinkle with salt, if desired. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields 4 side-dish servings.