Mofongo

Mofongo is a signature dish of Puerto Rico. It is a garlic-flavored plantain dish. It can be made many different ways and paired with seafood or pork.  It is a spicy taste of the islands. Mofongo is a delicious garlicy treat and easy to prepare.


Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
3 green plantains
3 minced cloves of garlic or 3 tablespoons crushed garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 lb. chicharrón or tocino (Cooked)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:
Peel the plantains, slice into 1 inch slices and fry over medium low heat until tender in the middle. 

• Using a pilón (mortar) mash the garlic and the chicharron together stir in olive oil and salt, and set aside. 
• Mash the plantain slices in the pilon adding a little bit of the garlic mixture. You will have to work a few slices at a time. When all done mix all the batches together for even distribution of seasoning. 
• This should be served hot. 

Variations:
Serve with fried pork chunks. 
Use this same recipe to make "Bolitas de Mofongo" to add to stews. Shape the mixture into balls and drop in any soup.


I like to use the "juice" from beef stew (carne guisada) over the finished mofongo to add flavor and to make it a little less "dry".