Fried Green Plantains

Instructions

1. Use a sharp knife to cut the ends off of the plantains. Peel plantains, by scoring the skin lengthwise in four places. Then, using a knife and fingers pull peel away. Cut plantains into 1-inch pieces.  

2. Heat oil in 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 8 plantain slices for 4 minutes and drain on a paper bag. Fry the remaining plantain slices in batches of 8. Allow plantains to cool slightly and smash each piece of fried plantain with a mallet or the palm of hand to a quarter-inch thickness. 

3. Fill a large bowl with 8 cups of water and season water with 2 tablespoons of salt. Soak fried smashed plantains for one minute in salty water, remove them from water, and then drain on paper towels.  

4. Re-heat oil in skillet and fry each batch of plantains again for 4 or 5 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper bag and sprinkle with sea salt. Plantains taste best with a squeeze of lime.