Patacones [thick fried green plantains] are popular side dishes with coastal meals. Patacones are twice-fried plantain patties. Plantains are sliced in 4-cm (1.5-in) long pieces and fried in oil. The segments are then removed and individually smashed down either with a bottle's bottom side or with a tostonera to about half their original height. Finally, the pieces are fried again and then seasoned to taste, often with salt. Patacones are often dipped for about a minute or less in water seasoned with garlic salt.

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