Mofongo-Inspired Mashed Plantains with Garlic and Pork Cracklings

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

A traditional Puerto Rican side dish of fried green plantains mashed with roasted garlic and crunchy pork cracklings for rich texture and flavor. This Caribbean-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs pork cracklings (chicharrón), chopped, garlic cloves, roasted and mashed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 medium peeled and cut green plantains and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: While the plantains cook, roast 6 garlic cloves wrapped in foil at 375°F for 20 minutes until soft, then mash into a paste.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mash the cooked plantains with 6 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth but slightly chunky.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pork cracklings and the mashed roasted garlic cloves, mixing well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve the mofongo warm as a hearty side dish with your choice of protein or sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo-Inspired Mashed Plantains with Garlic and Pork Cracklings take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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-Inspired Mashed Plantains with Garlic and Pork Cracklings?

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-Inspired Mashed Plantains with Garlic and Pork Cracklings?

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-Inspired Mashed Plantains with Garlic and Pork Cracklings 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-Inspired Mashed Plantains with Garlic and Pork Cracklings?

Caribbean quick meals 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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