Patacones (Fried Green Plantains) - Panamá

Ingredients

• 4 large unripe plantains (green)
• 4 cups warm water
• salt
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• ketchup (for serving)

Directions

1. 1

   Put the 4 cups warm water & ~1 Tbsp salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

2. 2

   Cut ends from each plantain w/ a small, sharp knife, then cut lengthwise slit thru peel. Beginning at slit, pry off peel (getting your thumb between the peel & the plantain helps).

3. 3

   Cut plantains crosswise into 1-inch thick pieces & place in bowl of warm salted water. Let sit 15-20 minute (This step adds flavor & also gets rid of some of the starch from the plantains.).

4. 4

   Heat oil (enough so that it is about 1/2" deep) in a 10-12" heavy skillet over MEDIUM heat until the oil is just hot enough to sizzle when a small "tester" piece of plantain is added.

5. 5

   Remove plantain pieces from the water & blot (completely) dry w/ paper towels.

6. 6

   Place plantain pieces in the oil (do not crowd the skillet w/ plantains; do 2 batches if needed). Fry plantains, turning occasionally w/ tongs, until tender & just beginning to turn golden color, ~5-7 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove plantain pieces w/ tongs to a flat (non-stick) surface. Spray the bottom of a glass tumbler or mug w/ non-stick cooking spray. Using gentle pressure, flatten each plantain piece to ~1/4" thickness. Slide glass off of plantain.

8. 8

   Return flattened plantains to oil (over MEDIUM heat). Fry (turning occasionally w/ tongs) until plantains are golden brown in color, 3-4 minutes.

9. 9

   Transfer plantains to a plate w/ a fresh paper towel, but DO NOT BLOT. Sprinkle w/ salt & serve immediately, w/ ketchup (optional).