Smashed Plantains Recipes

TWICE-FRIED AND MASHED GREEN PLANTAINS (TOSTONES)

Steps:

• In a heavy pot, add enough oil to fill halfway. Heat until a deep-frying thermometer reads 350 degrees F or the handle of a wooden spoon begins to sizzle immediately when dipped in the oil.
• Add the plantains and fry until bright yellow and slightly golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon to a sheet of parchment paper. Make sure all pieces are standing tall on the cut side, then place another sheet over the top. Using a small plate, glass or other flat item smash each piece into a 1/4-inch jagged circle.
• Place the plantain discs back in the oil and fry for 4 to 6 more minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and sprinkle with salt.

MASHED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Combine 3 chopped ripe plantains in a saucepan with 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspon kosher salt. Cover with water and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid. Mash the plantains. Brown 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet, 6 to 10 minutes. Mix into the plantains; add enough of the reserved liquid until creamy. Season with salt, pepper and ground cinnamon.

SMASHED CARAMELIZED PLANTAINS "PLATANOS AL CALDERO"

Steps:

• Cut ends off plantains, peel and slice in half lengthwise. Set 2 large nonstick saute pans over medium-high heat and add oil and 2 tablespoons butter into each pan. Add plantains and cook for 10 minutes - you don't want to move it too frequently otherwise it won't caramelize as well, flipping halfway. Once you flip the plantains, sprinkle with light brown sugar (depending on the ripeness/sweetness of the plantains, adjust the sugar amount) and salt. The plantains should be nice and golden. Squeeze with fresh lime juice just before serving.

MASHED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle plantains with salt and cayenne; drizzle with oil to coat. Arrange, cut sides down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until cut sides of plantains begin to caramelize, about 20 minutes. Turn plantains; roast 10 minutes more.
• Mash hot plantains on baking sheet with a potato masher until somewhat smooth (some large chunks should remain). Transfer to a serving bowl, and drizzle with lime juice.

SMASHED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• In large skillet, heat oil on high. Lightly smash the slices of plantains using a large, flat meat tenderizer or a heavy-bottomed pot.
• Dredge plantain slices in flour very lightly. Fry for 2 minutes per side or until golden.
• Transfer to tray lined with paper towel to drain. Season the smashed plantains with salt and pepper.

MOFONGO DOMINICANO (MASHED PLANTAINS)

Steps:

• Heat 1 inch oil in deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until oil starts to shimmer (about 350°F). Add plantain slices; cook until golden brown and tender. Remove from oil.
• Flatten the plantains using the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass bottle or a tostonera, if you have one. Return flattened plantains to skillet; cook for 30 seconds on each side or until slightly crisp. Remove from skillet; place in large bowl. Cool slightly.
• Place plaintains, garlic and 1 cup of the broth in food processor. Process until mixture has the consistency of chunky mashed potatoes, adding broth 1/4 cup at a time. Add salt and pepper; process until mixed.
• Spoon into serving bowl; garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately.