Patacones Recipe Twice Fried Plantain With Aji Sauce

Steps:

• Place a plate, upside-down, onto a work surface.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry plantain slices in the hot oil until slightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer plantain slices using a slotted spoon onto the upside-down plate, reserving oil in the skillet. Place a second plate, right-side up, onto the plantains. Smash the plantain slices by gently pressing the top plate into the bottom plate.
• Place the smashed plantains in the hot oil and fry until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer fried plantains to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle salt over plantains.

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the plantain, then use a small knife to cut a slit along their natural ridges.
• Pry the skin loose, using a knife if necessary, and then pull it off.
• Cut the plantains crosswise into 1" rounds.
• Place them in a bowl with the water, salt, and garlic for 30 minutes.
• In a medium sized pot, or frying pan heat the oil to 325 degrees.
• Drain the plantain slices and pat with a paper towels.
• Fry a few rounds at a time, turning them occasionally until golden, not brown, and tender when pierced with a knife, about 5 minutes.
• Drain the cooked slices on paper towels and allow them to cool for at least 1 minute.
• Place the fried slices one by one between two pieces of waxed paper on a cutting board.
• Gently press each slice with a mllet or rolling pin into rounds approximately 1/3" thick and 2" in diameter.
• When all the slices are pressed, heat oil to 375 degrees, then refry the slices until golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the insdie, about 3 minute Drain the rounds on paper towel and sprinkle with salt, enjoy!.