Tostones

Directions:

1. Peel the plantains by slicing down the middle of the peel with a knife, and pulling the banana out of the peel. Slice the plantain into 5-6 pieces (chunks) and set aside on a paper towel. Repeat for both plantains.

2. Heat the pan to medium high heat. Add the oil and wait a few minutes for the oil to get hot. Add the plantains 3-4 at a time. Fry the chunks until they turn a bright yellow color. After 5 minutes flip to the other side and fry for another 5 minutes. Carefully set them onto a plate with a paper towel to drain the excess oil.

3. While the plantains are still hot, use the bottom of a cup or bowl to press down on each of the plantain pieces until smashed and flat. Repeat until all plantain pieces are pressed down and fried once.

4. Repeat the frying process with the flat pieces and fry 2-3 minutes flipping halfway. Once again, places all the twice-fried pieces on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy these dipped in salsa or another dipping sauce.