Honduran Machuca (Mashed Plantains with Coconut Seafood Soup)

Ingredients

• 4 large green plantains (peeled and sliced)
• 2 large ripe plantains (peeled and sliced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons butter (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium bell pepper (red or green, diced)
• 2 large tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (13.5 oz coconut milk)
• 2 cups fish stock (or water with 1 fish bouillon cube)
• 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, fish fillets, or crab)
• Salt
• pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)