West African Fried Plantain Platter

Step 1

Cut off both ends of each plantain using a sharp knife, then cut a slit lengthwise through the peel and pry it off with your fingers to remove the entire skin.

Step 2

Place each plantain on the cutting board and slice diagonally into pieces that are 3/4 inch thick, angling your knife to create oblong slices rather than straight rounds.

Step 3

Dice the onion into 1/4-inch cubes by first cutting the onion in half lengthwise, then slicing thin lengthwise strips and crosswise into small cubes.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves until the pieces are smaller than a grain of rice, about the size of tiny pencil dots.

Step 5

Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 6

Place the plantain slices into the hot oil in a single layer, working in batches if needed so they do not overlap.

Step 7

Cook the plantain slices without moving them for 3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy, like the color of honey.

Step 8

Flip each plantain slice over using a metal spatula and cook the other side for 2 more minutes until it is also golden and crispy.

Step 9

Transfer the cooked plantain slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 10

Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 11

Add the diced onion to the oil and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, like frosted glass.

Step 12

Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until the smell becomes strong and fragrant.

Step 13

Pour in the drained black beans and diced tomatoes, stir once to combine, and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 14

Taste the bean mixture and add salt and pepper until it tastes good to you.

Step 15

Divide the fried plantain slices between two plates, arranging them in a mound or row.

Step 16

Spoon the warm black bean and tomato mixture on top of the plantains.

Step 17

Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice from one half evenly over each platter, then serve immediately.