Totally Tostones

Directions

1. 1
   Put 3 cloves garlic into a mortar and add 1 teaspoon salt.
2. 2
   Mash with the pestle until it forms a smooth paste; set aside.
3. 3
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
4. 4
   Cut both ends off the plantains and run a knife just through the skin down the sides.
5. 5
   Drop them into the boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds.
6. 6
   Take them out and plunge them into ice water.
7. 7
   Peel the plantains and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices.
8. 8
   Heat about 1/4-inch vegetable oil in a large skillet and fry the plantains, in batches, on both flat sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
9. 9
   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
10. 10
    Press the tostones in a tostones press or on a cutting board with the bottom of a small heavy pot until they are about 1/4-inch thick.
11. 11
    Toss them in a bowl with the garlic paste.
12. 12
    Re-fry the tostones in the hot oil until golden brown.
13. 13
    Serve as is with a sprinkling of salt or with a dab of one of the suggested toppings.