Tostones

Ingredients

• 4 whole green plantains
• 500 ml vegetable oilSubstitute: peanut oil
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp lime juiceSubstitute: sour orange
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel green plantains and cut into 3cm thick rounds.

2. 2

   Soak in salted water for 15 minutes — this seasons them through and helps achieve crispiness.

3. 3

   Heat oil to 170C. Fry plantain rounds for 3-4 minutes until pale golden but not crispy.

4. 4

   Remove and drain. Using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass, smash each piece flat to about 5mm thick.

5. 5

   Increase oil to 190C. Fry smashed plantains again for 2-3 minutes until deep golden and very crispy.

6. 6

   Make mojo: warm olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant, add lime juice and salt.

7. 7

   Drain tostones on paper towels, salt immediately, and serve hot with garlic mojo for dipping.