Mofongo de Plátano Verde con Ajo y Cilantro
A traditional Puerto Rican side dish of mashed green plantains mixed with garlic, cilantro, and aromatic spices, offering a savory, comforting bite that pairs perfectly with your favorite protein. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs green plantains, vegetable 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.
Ingredients
- 2 large (about 1.5 lbs total), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks green plantains
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (optional) chicken stock or vegetable broth
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the 2 large peeled and cut green plantain chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, draining thoroughly in a colander.
- Step 2: Return the drained plantains to the pot and add 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and cohesive, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup chicken stock or vegetable broth (if using), continuing to mash until the mixture holds together when pressed, about 2 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mofongo de Plátano Verde con Ajo y Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Mofongo de Plátano Verde con Ajo y Cilantro?
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 Mofongo de Plátano Verde con Ajo y Cilantro?
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 Verde con Ajo y Cilantro 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 Mofongo de Plátano Verde con Ajo y Cilantro 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
