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Bowl of Easy Mofongo made with fried plantains, garlic, and crunchy chicharrón.

Easy Mofongo

A cozy, bold, and garlicky Puerto Rican dish made from mashed fried plantains, perfect for topping with your favorite proteins or veggies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Puerto Rican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pieces Green plantains Firm and green, not yellow for savory flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves are best, use more for stronger flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To enhance flavor.
  • 2 cups Oil for frying Neutral oil like canola or vegetable.
  • 2 tablespoons Fat for mashing Olive oil, butter, or broth plus oil.
Optional Crunchy Bits
  • 1 cup Pork cracklings or crispy bacon For adding texture.
Serving Suggestions
  • 2 cups Shredded pork Slow roasted pernil recommended.
  • 1 cup Shrimp Quick garlic shrimp with a splash of lemon.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel and cut the green plantains into chunks.
  2. Soak the plantain pieces in salted water for 10 minutes.
Frying
  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Fry the plantain chunks in batches until golden brown and crispy.
Mashing
  1. While warm, mash the fried plantains with garlic and chosen fat until slightly chunky.
  2. Add moisture slowly while mashing to achieve desired texture.
Serving
  1. Serve the mofongo in bowls topped with your choice of meats, shrimp, or vegetables.

Notes

Mofongo is best served fresh after mashing. It can dry out, so add broth if needed. Feel free to top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the rustic charm of the dish.