She Strengthens

Unlock the Secret to Crispy, Golden Patacones

If you’re a fried food enthusiast who hasn’t tried patacones, you’re in for a treat! These mouthwatering, crispy fried plantain fritters are a game-changer. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make at home.

The Magic Behind Patacones

So, what’s the secret to achieving that addictive crunch and flavor? It all comes down to a simple dip in garlic salt water and a gentle smash before their second fry. But here’s the catch: you need to use starchy green plantains, not ripe black ones. The latter are better suited for roasting or sautéing.

Get Creative with Your Patacones

Serve these tasty treats with your favorite sauces or condiments, such as chimichurri, mojo, sour cream, or hogao. You can also use them as the base of a meal, just like you would with toast or a tortilla. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

• Green plantains (depending on how many patacones you’re making)
• Vegetable or canola oil (as needed for frying)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to finish
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder to finish
• Chimichurri, mojo, sour cream, or other dipping sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Plantains

Peel the plantains by cutting through the skin lengthwise with a knife and prying it open with your fingers. Cut the plantains into 1 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Frying the Plantains

Fill a Dutch oven or heavy pot with oil, heating it over medium heat. Meanwhile, combine the water, garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the plantain slices into the oil and fry until they’re slightly darker, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the plantains to a paper towel-lined bowl or plate and let them cool for a minute.

Smashing and Seasoning

Use a tortilla maker or folded parchment paper to gently flatten each fried plantain piece. Dip the flattened plantain in the garlic water, turning both sides and gently rubbing. Remove excess water and repeat with the remaining fried plantains.

Second Fry and Seasoning

Check that the oil is hot and add the flattened plantains back to the oil in batches, frying until crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the plantains and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or bowl. Blot out excess oil and season with garlic powder and salt.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your crispy patacones with your favorite sauces or condiments and indulge in the delicious flavors of this Latin American treat!