Mofongo Popular

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

A silky-smooth Puerto Rican side dish of mashed green plantains mixed with garlic, crispy pork, and herbs, offering a perfect balance of savory and earthy flavors. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium green plantains, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 25 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 peeled and 1-inch cut green plantains in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes until very tender, then drain and return to pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves to the plantains. Mash with a potato masher until smooth, about 5 minutes, adding extra oil if mixture becomes dry.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup crispy pork cracklings, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until fully combined. Shape into 4 oval patties and serve immediately while warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo Popular take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Popular?

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 medium green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mofongo Popular?

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 Popular 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 Popular?

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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