mofongo

Next Dish: Roti Canai

Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from fried green plantains, which are mashed together with other ingredients such as garlic, salt, and pork cracklings. The mixture is then typically shaped into a ball or mound. It can be served as a side dish or stuffed with meat, seafood, or vegetables. The dish has African influences and is considered a crucial part of Puerto Rican cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 Green plantains

  • 4 cloves of garlic

  • 1 teaspoon of salt

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

  • 4 slices of fried bacon

  • Canola oil for frying


Instructions:

  1. Peel the plantains and cut them into one-inch thick slices.

  2. In a large frying pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat.

  3. Add the plantain slices to the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Be sure to flip them occasionally for even browning.

  4. While the plantains are frying, mash the garlic cloves with the salt in a mortar and pestle.

  5. Remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

  6. Add the fried plantains to the garlic and salt mixture in the mortar.

  7. Mash the plantains with the garlic until they are well combined and the mixture is fairly smooth.

  8. Stir in the olive oil and the crumbled bacon.

  9. Shape the mixture into small balls or mounds and serve hot.