I had a thing that is apparently an Ecuadorean specialy: it was a fried (possibly flash deep fried) overripe plantain (or banana) that was then served on the peel with a slice of cheese (cheese in Ecaudor had the consistency of havarti with a very mild flavour similar to mozzarella). It was a very, very tasty treat and I must have eaten loads of them while I was there.

So, slight piggybacking of this thread: What were these called? How do I make these and where can I find cheese like that in Canada?

Its fried plantain related...don't be mad! :P

I don't have any recipes, but I have un mitigated love for the fried plantains they serve at Oakwood Cafe here.

Mmm. Tostones.

Okay, so here's what you do. Grab some green plantains. Purists insist that they should be totally green, no black at all, but I like the sweetness that a little bit of ripeness brings. So, do whatever the hell you want.) Peel, slice on a bias into 2-in chunks.

Heat 1" of vegetable oil in a heavy pan. Fry the plantains until they've got a bit of a crust on the outside, but don't brown them. Cook on both sides, of course.

Remove from pan, drain, let cool.

When cool, place a plantain between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Flatten with a heavy glass or the bottom of a frying pan. Or, if you want to by a gadget, use a tostone press. You're aiming for 1/4" thickness. Repeat with remaining plantains. (Duh.)

Fry the flattened plantains until brown and crispy. Remove, pat dry, and season with salt.

The best part is the dipping sauce....

Sauce

Juice of 2 limes
Red bell pepper, chopped
Clove garlic, crushed
Jalapeno or serrano, chopped
Olive oil

Whisk together the above ingredients. The citrus and the olive oil will emulsify naturally and will thicken after being chilled. Add salt to taste.

Yum!

And let's not forget Platanos Maduros -- sweet plantains.

Take the ugly, nasty, soft black plantains, peel them, slice them into 2" chunks. Sautee in a mixture of olive oil and butter over medium heat until soft and slightly carmelized. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, ricotta salata, or feta.

OMFG. mudpuppie, if you come cook for me i'll introduce you to hot babes. AND you can beat up the neighbor guy who used to raise chickens for cock-fighting. thank you!

OMFG. mudpuppie, if you come cook for me i'll introduce you to hot babes.

This sounds like a proposition that's actually workable.

I'll invite them over for dinner.

Similar to muppie's recipe, but Ghana style:

Take the ugly, nasty, soft black plantains, peel them, slice them into 2" chunks.
Blend ginger, onions, garlic into a paste, mix with a teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper and some salt to taste, pour the mixture on the plantains and let sit for abt 10 mins. Then deep fry till golden brown.
Best served tossed with dry roasted peanuts!!

Ooh. Thank you ramix. Ghana sounds delicious.

Yes, I know Ghana is a sovereign nation. :)

I'll invite them over for dinner.

Thanks. Wry brainy types. Dark hair preferred.

That describes LunaticFringe! Though I suppose you could borrow her for the weekend in trade for some delicious plantains.

*takes notes*