Colombian Patacones "Fried Green Plantains"

By Erica from My Columbian Recipes & International Flavors

Patacones are made from green plantains peeled and cut cross-wise. Patacones are fried twice. Patacones are served in restaurants all over Colombia as a side dish for fish dishes or as an appetizer with guacamole, hogao (tomato and onion sauce) or ají (hot salsa).  These are prepared very similar to Cuban Tostones.

INGREDIENTS

Serving Size: 8 patacones
2 Large green plantains
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel the plantains and cut cross-wise into 1/2” slices

2. In a medium heavy pot, add enough vegetable oil to cover the plantain slices and heat the oil over medium high heat.

3. Add the plantain slices to the heated oil in a single layer. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Carefully remove the plantains with a slotted spoon, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Let the patacones cool for 3 minutes. Then, place the plantains on a piece of plastic wrap and cover with another piece of plastic wrap. With a flat pot cover, press well on the pieces of plantain, flattening them to ¼” thickness.

5. Dip each slice in salted water. Then using tongs add them back in the hot oil in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and fry for an additional 3 minutes on each side. Be careful when you fry the soaked plantains, as droplets of water will cause the oil to splatter.

6. Remove the patacones with slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb oil, sprinkle with salt, to taste, transfer to a serving plate and serve hot with guacamole, tomato sauce or salsa.