Step 1

Peeling: Peel the plantains (see how to) and cut into 1 inch [2.5 cm] thick slices.

Step 2

Fry: To fry the tostones, heat the oil over medium heat in a small saucepan, and fry the plantains till light golden (about 5 mins). Flatten the plantains using a tostonera (Amazon affiliate link) to about ¼" [0.5 cm] (I prefer thin tostones as they are crispier and stay so longer). You can also use the bottom of a big jar and press on a cutting table if you don't have a tostonera.Fry the plantains again until they turn golden yellow on both sides (about 5 minutes).

Step 3

Serve: Sprinkle with salt to taste and serve immediately. Best served freshly-fried as a side dish, but if you want to try it as an appetizer, we give the choice of serving with a dip (see below).

Step 4

Make the dip: Pulse all the ingredients until they are thoroughly blended but not liquefied.