Mofongo
Mofongo is a beloved Puerto Rican dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and satisfying textures. Made from crispy golden-fried green plantains mashed with garlic, savory pork cracklings or bacon, and infused with olive oil and chicken broth, this recipe creates a hearty, flavor-packed experience that’s both comforting and delicious. The plantains' chunky, slightly crispy texture is a signature feature, while the addition of fresh cilantro garnish adds a vibrant touch. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and the ability to shape it into eye-catching serving balls or mound it on a plate, Mofongo makes an ideal centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for lovers of traditional Caribbean cuisine, this dish is a celebration of bold ingredients and classic cooking techniques.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole green plantains
- 6 whole garlic cloves
- 1 cup pork cracklings (chicharrones) or bacon
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the green plantains by cutting off both ends and making a slit along the length. Slide your thumbs under the skin to peel it off.
Cut the peeled plantains into 1-inch thick slices.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the plantain slices in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked throughout. Remove the fried plantains and drain on paper towels.
In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic cloves and salt. Pound them together until you have a rough paste.
Add the fried plantains to the mortar in batches, along with the garlic paste, pork cracklings, or crumbled bacon.
Mash the plantain mixture, adding olive oil little by little, until it becomes a cohesive mixture. Some pieces will remain chunky, which is desired for texture.
While mashing, gradually pour in the chicken broth to soften the mixture and help it stick together.
Season with black pepper to taste.
Shape the mofongo into individual serving balls or mound it on a plate.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1569 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 131.0 g | 168% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.3 g | 112% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 1246 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.0 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.0 g | ||
| Protein | 42.3 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 1342 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
