Puerto Rican Mofongo
Mofongo is a beloved Puerto Rican dish that's rich in flavor and history. It's a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and can be customized to suit your taste by adding different meats or seafood on the side.
Equipment
- 1 Pilon
- 1 Heavy Frying Pan
Ingredients
For the Mofongo
- 4 green plantains
- 4-6 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/4 cup pork rinds chicharrón
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or lard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce optional, but traditional
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Plantains
- Start by peeling the green plantains. Cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
Fry the Plantains
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium-high heat.
- Add the plantain slices to the hot oil and fry them until they are golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the fried plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make Mofongo Base
- In a large pilon or a sturdy bowl, add the fried plantain slices along with the minced garlic, and optional pork rinds or bacon bits.
- Use the mortar and pestle or a masher to mash the ingredients together until they form a dough-like consistency. You can also add salt and pepper to taste while mashing. Continue mashing until well combined.
Shape Mofongo
- Traditionally, mofongo is shaped into a ball or mound using a pilón (a wooden mortar and pestle), but you can also use your hands to shape it. Wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent sticking.
- If you like, you can make individual portions by shaping smaller mofongo balls.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce optional - Okay not really
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden.
- Stir in the dried oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Serve
- Place the mofongo on a plate and pour the garlic sauce over the top.
- Mofongo is often served with a side of broth-based soup, such as chicken soup or seafood soup. It can also be served alongside grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. It's a versatile dish, and you can choose your favorite accompaniments.
Enjoy your homemade Puerto Rican Mofongo!
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