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    Dumplings with my family A recent graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, I found myself with no money, no kitchen equipment, and an exceptionally huge appetite. Ideas, improvisations, and yummy meal solutions were discovered in the kitchen of my very first apartment. Contact

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    Crispy, Salty Plantains

    Posted on September 28th, 2009 by theapartmentkitchen
    Plantains are a virtually perfect food in my book. They can be crisp or soft, sweet or salty, fried or grilled – and make an amazing and overall crowd pleasing side dish. Anytime Matt and I see them at our favorite market (which isn’t too often), we grab up an armful and cook them. But with plantains, as with many of my favorite foods, it’s best to keep it simple. I almost feel silly writing a recipe for it…but I figured it could be a guideline for those who’ve never cooked them at home! A little bit of oil, a pinch of salt, and a few minutes is all you need for a delicious snack.

    Crispy, Salty Plantains

    Makes 4 servings (as a side or snack)
    Leftover Potential: It‘s best to just keep your plantains and cook them as needed, as they‘ll lose their texture in storage.

    3 large plantains, sliced about 1/4″ thick
    oil, as needed for frying
    salt, to taste

    1. Heat about 1/4″ of oil in the bottom of a pan. When the oil is hot (shimmering), add the plantains (depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do it in batches, replenishing the oil as needed.
    2. Cook the plantains until they are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
    3. Drain the plantains on absorbent paper towels, and generously salt them on both sides. They are delicious warm, but can be eaten once they’ve cooled to room temperature as well.

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    5 Responses to “Crispy, Salty Plantains”

    1. Carrie, on September 29th, 2009 at 12:49 pm Said:

      I’ve never tried to cook plantains at home, but it’s on my list. These really look great!

    2. Nicole, on September 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pm Said:

      Oh yum. Plantains ARE perfect… I love eating them like this with a little crema.

    3. theapartmentkitchen, on September 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pm Said:

      Nicole – I’m defintely going to have to try dipping them in some crema – YUM.

      Carrie – Try frying them twice – tostones are even better than these once-fried beauties :)

    4. marguerite, on September 29th, 2009 at 7:38 pm Said:

      Yum!! I love plantains! We can’t always find them either.

    5. brendasaurus, on October 5th, 2009 at 12:23 am Said:

      as a puerto rican girl i can definitely say that double frying them is key. i slice them like in the picture, fry them once, then use a plantain smasher (two plates stacked on top of each other work just fine) and i smash them down and re-fry them. extra crunchy!

      also for dip..

      you can go the lazy way and mix a bit of ketchup with a larger bit of mayo and some crushed garlic

      or you can make mojo by using crushed garlic, olive oil, onion, lime juice, cilantro… this is less creamy but super flavorful.

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