Total Time: 40 minutes

I absolutely love plantains! I enjoy ordering them any time I’m out at a Cuban or Puerto Rican restaurant.  However, I finally learned to make them at home by my good friend who is of Dominican descent. Thank you for teaching me how to make these beauties at home, my friend!

Ingredients:

• 3 green plantains
• 1 cup canola or vegetable oil for frying, enough to fill your pan to about 1/2 inch deep
• 1 lime
• Salt or other seasonings

1. Cut off the ends of each plantain.
2. Slice through the skin, down the seams, lengthwise from top to bottom. Then peel like a banana.  Some people prefer to slice the skin off like a pineapple.  Do what you’re most comfortable with, but be careful!
3. Slice your plantains on an angle about 1-inch thickness.  It’s important to cut them on an angle so they are easier to “smash” later.
4. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Once hot, add plantain slices to the skillet and cook until golden on both sides.
5. Remove from the skillet and place on a parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet.  Place another piece of parchment or wax paper on top and “smash” your plantains.  You can use a drinking class or a beer bottle to smash them into flattened plantains.
6. Return your smashed plantains to the heated oil for another round of frying. This is going to toast them up really nice.
7. Remove from the pan once fully golden to your liking. I like mine super crispy! Drizzle with fresh lime juice and add salt or any other seasoning.
8. I love to eat these plain or dip them into chili or garlic aioli.

If you like this recipe, try our Guacamole or Hot Sauce recipes.