Start by selecting 4 green (unripe) plantains for your tostones. They should be firm and have green skins without any yellow or black spots.

Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and slicing the skin lengthwise with a knife. Then, carefully peel away the skin.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the plantain slices to the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove the fried plantain slices from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Using a tostonera (toston press) or a flat-bottomed object like a glass or jar, flatten each fried plantain slice to about half its original thickness.

In a mortar and pestle, crush 8 cloves of garlic with a pinch of salt to make a garlic paste.

Spread a small amount of the garlic paste on each flattened plantain slice.

Heat the oil again in the frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, return the flattened plantain slices to the pan and fry them again until they are crispy and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Remove the tostones from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve the tostones hot as a delicious side dish or snack. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce!