Garlic Plantains Recipes

GARLICKY PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Combine garlic and 2 cups water in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Working in 3 batches, fry plantains in a single layer, turning once, until tender and golden all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour out oil; discard. Reserve skillet.
• Gently press down on plantains one at a time with the flat side of a chef's knife or wooden spoon to flatten slightly. Transfer to bowl with reserved garlic water and let soak 5 minutes.
• Remove plantains from garlic water and pat dry with paper towels. Heat remaining 1/2 cup oil in reserved skillet over medium-high. Fry plantains again, turning once, until deep golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to fresh paper towels to drain; sprinkle with salt.

FRIED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Preheat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat.
• Peel the plantains and cut them in half. Slice the halves lengthwise into thin pieces.
• Fry the pieces until browned and tender. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

GARLIC PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Combine water, garlic, and salt in a medium size bowl and set aside.
• In a large saute pan, heat oil to 325°F.
• Peel plantains and slice into 1-inch pieces. Carefully add plantains to oil and fry until golden yellow in color, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side.
• With a slotted spoon, remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. With the back of a wide, wooden spatula or spoon, press each piece of plantain down to half its original size.
• Place the plantains in the garlic water and let soak for 1 minute. Remove and pat dry with a tea towel to remove excess water.
• Bring oil back up to 325°F and return plantains to pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 4 minutes per side.
• Remove to dish lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Serve immediately.

GRILLED GARLIC STRIP STEAK WITH HONEY PLANTAINS

Steps:

• 1. Prepare a grill pan or grill with a high heat direct heat. Smash the garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and, with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Stir into the olive oil along with the lemon juice, cumin, turmeric, allspice, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub into the meat on both sides and set aside.
• 2. Lightly oil the hot grill grates. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and grill over direct heat until nicely marked, about 3 minutes a side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate or platter and let rest for 5 minutes.
• 3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet, then add the plantains and honey. Cook, stirring often until glazed and warmed through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Serve steak with the plantains.

FRIED GREEN PLANTAINS AND GARLIC SAUCE: TOSTONES WITH MOJO

Steps:

• Peel plantains and cut on a diagonal into 3/4-inch thick slices. In a heavy skillet, heat 3/4 cup oil and fry plantain slices until golden brown. Lift slices onto plate or tray to cool, and press with spatula to flatten. Return to hot oil and fry again until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, and keep warm on a serving plate.
• In small bowl, make mojo by whisking together fresh garlic, sour orange juice, and remaining 1/4 cup oil. Dress each serving of plantains with mojo and serve immediately.

SMASHED GARLIC PLANTAINS - MOFONGO

Steps:

• Mix handful of salt into a bowl of cold water and soak plantain chunks. Place stock in saucepan over low heat to warm. Bring at least 1 inch of oil to about 350 F degrees in a deep skillet.
• Meanwhile, cook chicharrones or bacon until crisp; remove from heat and drain. Remove plantains from water, drain and dry them on towels, then deep fry the pieces (careful, they may spatter) until golden brown and tender. Remove from oil. Flatten the plantains using the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass bottle or a tostonera if you have one. Fry the plantains again for 30 seconds on each side until slightly crispy.
• While the plantains are still hot use a wooden mortar and pestle to mash them with the garlic and the chicharrones. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• You can also use a food processor - add the plantains to food processor with bacon, garlic and some salt and pepper. You may have to work in batches. Process to consistency of mashed - not whipped - potatoes. Do not over process!
• Place the mixture in soup bowls or wooden pilons, douse with broth, garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.