Ingredients

1 small hot chile pepper, stem and seeds removed, minced

3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper

1 tablespoons finely chopped onion

3 tablespoons lime juice, (2 limes)

3/4 cup olive oil

Peanut oil, for frying

3 deep-green plantains, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together chile pepper, bell pepper, onion, lime juice, and olive oil until combined. Set mojo aside.

Fill a medium saucepan with 4 to 5 inches peanut oil; heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees. Carefully add 6 or 7 plantain rounds; fry until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Transfer to paper towels. Repeat with remaining plantains.

Place a plantain round between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Using a heavy skillet, press to flatten. Repeat with remaining plantains.

Return plantains to oil; refry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Sprinkle with salt; serve with mojo.