Here’s how to cook mofongo:
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 4 cloves of garlic
– ½ cup of pork crackling
– Salt, to taste
– ½ cup of vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon of butter
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains: Start by peeling the plantains. Cut off the tips of the plantains and score them lengthwise with a knife. This will make it easier to peel off the skin. Once the skin is removed, cut the plantain into small pieces.
2. Fry the plantains: Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the plantain pieces to the oil and fry until they are golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Make sure to turn them over occasionally so that they cook evenly. Once the plantains are done, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel.
3. Mash the plantains: In a mortar and pestle, mash the garlic cloves and salt together until they form a paste. Add the fried plantains and continue to mash until the mixture is smooth. You can also use a food processor or blender to mash the plantains.
4. Add the pork crackling: Heat a large frying pan or a wok over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pan and add the pork crackling. Cook the pork crackling for a few minutes until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside.
5. Add the mashed plantains: Add the mashed plantains to the pan and mix it with the pork crackling. Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes until the mofongo is heated through and well combined with the pork crackling.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the mofongo is done, take it off the heat and serve it immediately. You can serve it on its own or with a side of meat or seafood. Garnish with additional pork crackling, if desired.
Tips:
– If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor or blender to mash the plantains.
– To make pork crackling, fry small pieces of pork skin until they are crispy.
– Adding butter to the frying pan will give the mofongo a rich and creamy texture.
– For a healthier alternative, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
Conclusion:
Mofongo is a delectable Puerto Rican dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to cook. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner or a fancy celebration, mofongo is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy!