The skin of the plantain should be almost entirely black when it's mature and ready to use. Peel the plantain and slice diagonally into about 1/4 inch slices.

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a saute pan until hot but not smoking. Add slices of plantain and saute for about 2 minutes, until lightly browned, but not blackened. Flip to other side and saute for another minute or two.

Place the fried plantain slices on a plate covered with paper towels so as to absorb the excess oil. Serve hot over rice and eat as a side.

Already cooked plantains may be reheated on a baking sheet in the oven at 300° for roughly 5 minutes.