Mofongo de Plátano Maduro

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

Creamy mashed ripe plantains blended with garlic, crispy chicharrón, and a touch of smokiness, creating a comforting Puerto Rican side dish. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, roughly chopped chicharrón for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add plantain chunks and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and tender.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped chicharrón and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gradually stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth while mashing until cohesive and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mashing until fully incorporated. Serve warm as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo de Plátano Maduro take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Mofongo de Plátano Maduro?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mofongo de Plátano Maduro?

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 Mofongo de Plátano Maduro 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.

What goes well with Mofongo de Plátano Maduro?

Puerto Rican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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