Fried Plantains

Ingredients

• 4 firm-ripe plantains
• vegetable oil for deep-frying

Procedure

With a small sharp knife cut ends from each plantain and halve crosswise. Cut a lengthwise slit through skin along inside curve. Beginning in center of slit pry skin from plantain and with a mandoline cut flesh lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices.

In a deep fryer heat oil to 375°F and fry 5 to 8 plantain slices at a time, turning them until golden, transferring as fried with a skimmer to paper towels to drain. Season plantain slices with salt. Plantain slices should be slightly crisp on outside but soft on inside. Plantain slices are best served immediately.

From the Sur La Table kitchen.