Pretty simple and straightforward to make. Even though a deep fryer would be ideal, I'm sure most of us (including me) don't own one.
So we're going to use a good pot or skillet and fill it up with about an inch or two of frying oil. I like a good canola, but any veggie-based oil will do.
Get a nice green plantain (make sure it's not the ripe ones). You can usually find them wherever they sell latin produce. Peel and cut it up into 1.5 inch pieces. If you are cutting ahead of time or have any pieces you're not immediately frying, soak and store them in cold water (refrigerate).
Fry the pieces on medium high heat until they're nice and golden, but not brown. You may have to flip them once if you use less oil. Then, remove them from the oil and place them between a nice terry cloth towel on a strong counter top. Soak the towel in water and wring it out beforehand, so that the plantains don't stick to the towel!
Now the fun part! Use something with a flat surface, like a pot or pan -- or a wooden mallet if you have one of those lying around -- to flatten or "smash" the pieces, but don't go overboard.Then refry them until they are crispy. Remove and plate. You can season them with some salt and pepper, but personally, I like to eat them with some minced garlic in oil, plus some ketchup. Enjoy!
Love and Peace,
VG
