Banann Peze (Fried Plantains)

  • Total time - 20 minutes
  • Preparation - 5 minutes
  • Cooking time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Haiti
A pile of golden, crispy fried plantain slices (Banann Peze) on a plate.

The key to making Banann Peze is using the right kind of plantains. They must be green and firm, not ripe and yellow. To flatten them, you can use a special press (tostonera), the bottom of a glass, or any heavy, flat object.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Banann Peze

  • 3 pieces green plantains
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cups hot water
  • salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Plantains

Peel the green plantains. Cut them into diagonal slices, about 2 cm thick. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a sufficient amount of oil over medium heat.

Step 2: First Fry

Add the plantain slices to the hot oil and fry them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and turn a light yellow color. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Flattening and Dipping

Mix the minced garlic, hot water, and salt in a bowl. Using a plantain press or the bottom of a glass, carefully flatten each plantain slice into a thin disk, about 0.5 cm thick. Briefly dip each flattened piece into the prepared garlic water.

Step 4: Second Fry

Increase the oil temperature to medium-high. Return the flattened plantains to the oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden and crispy. Remove and drain.

Step 5: Serving

Immediately salt the finished Banann Peze. Serve hot as a side dish to meat, rice and beans, or with pikliz as a dip.