They can be fried, baked, or made into pancakes ... many different varieties of bananas are called "plátano" in Spanish. Like potatoes, plantains are primarily a source of carbohydrates.

3. Smash each fried plantain to a quarter-inch thickness with a tool called a tostonera . You can also use a mallet or the heel of your hand. 4. Soak the plantains in salty water for one minute ...