Fried Plantains

Directions

1. 1
   Working with one plantain at a time, use a sharp knife to cut off both ends.
2. 2
   Run the tip of the knife down the full length of the plantain 2 or 3 times, cutting through the thick skin but not into the plantain.
3. 3
   Work the peel off with your hands.
4. 4
   Repeat with the remaining plantains.
5. 5
   Slice the peeled plantains at a diagonal into thick slices.
6. 6
   Line a baking sheet or large platter with paper towels.
7. 7
   In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmery and hot but not smoking.
8. 8
   Add as many plantain slices as will fit without crowding and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
9. 9
   Adjust the heat as necessary so the oil is bubbling happily around the slices.
10. 10
    Turn the slices over and cook until browned on the other side, 3 to 4 minutes.
11. 11
    Transfer to the paper towels to drain, and immediately sprinkle with salt to taste.
12. 12
    Repeat with the remaining slices until all are cooked and salted, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
13. 13
    Serve hot.
14. 14
    It can be hard to find black plantains at the store, since once theyre black, theyre so ripe that they dont have much shelf life left.
15. 15
    Its better to buy them when theyre still a little yellow and let them finish ripening at home.
16. 16
    Placing them in a paper bag will speed up the process.