Plantain Chips (patacones) ***

By Gigirox

Fried plantain chips are savory, crisp, and starchy. These are usually served with salsa verde. Patacones don't reheat very well, so eat them while their hot!

Ingredients

• 2 GREEN plantains
• 1 cup vegetable oil, plus more if necessary
• 2 cloves garlic mashed
• 1 ts salt
• 1 cup water
• salt to taste

Preparation

Step 1

1- Cut off the ends of the plantains and then carefully cut a slit down the length of the skin without cutting into the plantain itself. Using a wooden spoon, pry up the edges of the peel and pull off the skin. Once the peel is removed, cut the plantain crosswise into 4 or 6 pieces, each 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.
2- Heat the oil in a medium skillet over med high heat,350*. Add the plantains and fry them until they turn golden on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then place them between 2 sheets of parchment paper.
3- Flatten the plantains, to 1/4 inch by pressing down on them with a heavy bottomed pan.(At this point the plantains can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days)
4- Before frying the second time, dip each slice into water-garlic-salt mixture.Fry each slice(350*)
for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Transfer them back to the paper-towel-lined plate to drain and repeat with the remaining flattened plantains. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately with salsa verde or lime wedges.