Garlic Tostones (Twice fried Plantains)

[Bacchus4.0]

8. ok well plantains are available in most supermarkets I've seen in the produce section

plantains are one of the main food staples in latin america particularly in the tropical coastal regions where they grow. they are very often served as an additional side along with rice and beans (often the sweet variety). they are also very often used to accompany sea food dishes (often the non-sweet variety). Sweetness depends on ripeness. I personally very much prefer the non-sweet potato type taste as shown in the OP.

they are also used as a base for heavy but delicious stews. They are also mashed and cooked in their own leaf and stuffed like a tamale or in the form of a ball. Also can be served mashed like mashed potatos. and they make plantain chips as well.

they are pretty much ubiquitous in latin america although in the mountain regions they tend to eat more potatos.