Pressed Plantain(Cayman) or Tostones(Cuban) or Patacones (Central America) 6pc

1. To prepare Pressed plantains (Cayman Style) or Cuban fried plantains (called tostones) first get a green plantain and cut off both ends (about 1/2 inch)

2. Then cut the plantain horizontally with a small paring or sharp knife on 3 different areas from top to bottom just enough to pass the outer skin.

3. Now try to get your thumb underneath that skin and separate by running your thumb and peeling back until you go the whole way around.

4. If there are any small pieces of the skin left the peel off with fingers or cut away with a knife.

5. Next just hold the plantain and scrape the hard flesh of the banana to remove any small pieces of skin. (Do not wash the scraped plantain in water and if you do then pat dry with a paper towel)

6. Now cut the plantain into 1-inch pieces all the way along.

7. Now heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat to about 350.

2. Drop them in quickly but be careful not to splash yourself with hot oil and let them fry all over for about 2-3 mins. Transfer to paper towels to let drain and cool for another 3-4 mins.

4. Then stand each one up and flatten the 1- inch fried plantains using a tostonera to about 1 cm thick. If you don’t have one I usually use the underside of a clean ceramic plate or coffee cup.

5. Reheat pan of oil and once again drop them all at the same pace until golden on both sides. Transfer to paper towels to let drain and cool for another 1-2 mins.

6. Serve the Cuban fried plantains immediately. Sprinkle with either salt, garlic powder, season salt, or even shredded, creamy cheese on top. It’s totally up to your fancy!

Tostones or Patacones are also enjoyed in other Caribbean Islands such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.