Colombia+Food

Colombia Colombia is a Spanish-speaking country located in South America. //Patacones// (known as //tostones// in Central America) are twice fried rounds of green [|plantain]. Fried green plantain (plátano verde) is starchy and sweet, and absolutely fantastic dipped in creamy [|aji amarillo sauce]. Plantains that are still green but just starting to ripen make it taste best. Plantains become sweeter and less starchy as they ripen, but they also lose their firmness.

Ingredients:

 * 3 green [|plantains]
 * Vegetable oil for frying
 * Kosher salt
 * [|Creamy Aji Sauce]

Preparation:
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 * 1) Slice the ends off of each plantain, then slice unpeeled plantains crosswise into 1 1/2 wide circles. Place plantain slices in a bowl of salted water to soak for 1 hour.
 * 1) Peel the plantain slices. If the peel does not come off easily, make a slit through the skin with a sharp knife first, and then peel it off. Place the peeled plantain slices on paper towels and pat dry.
 * 1) Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350 degrees. Place plantain slices in the oil and cook until golden (plantain should sizzle gently), working in batches if necessary. Drain on paper towels.
 * 1) Use the bottom of a glass or bottle to smash/flatten the slices of plantain into disks about 1/3-1/2 inch thick.
 * 1) Return flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels, and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
 * 1) Serve plantain warm with aji sauce for dipping.[[image:patacones.jpg width="800" height="533"]]