Classic Garlic Mofongo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, garlicky plantain mash with smoky paprika and olive oil, served with a side of fresh sofrito for an authentic Puerto Rican comfort dish. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs green plantains, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the plantain chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Drain the plantains, return them to the pot, and add 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt; mash vigorously until smooth and creamy, adding 2 tbsp water if too thick.
  3. Step 3: Transfer to a serving bowl, press into a compact shape, and let rest for 5 minutes until firm enough to slice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Garlic Mofongo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Garlic Mofongo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Garlic Mofongo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Garlic Mofongo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Classic Garlic Mofongo vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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