Mofongo Popular: Creamy Green Plantain Mash with Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Puerto Rican side dish featuring mashed green plantains infused with garlic and herbs, creating a velvety texture that complements any main course perfectly. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chicken broth 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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs peeled and cut green plantain chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Return the drained plantains to the pot. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1/2 tsp salt. Mash vigorously with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, adding up to 2 tbsp more broth if too dry.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked garlic and oil mixture along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until parsley wilts and flavors meld. Serve warm immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo Popular: Creamy Green Plantain Mash with Garlic 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 Mofongo Popular: Creamy Green Plantain Mash with Garlic?

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 Popular: Creamy Green Plantain Mash with Garlic?

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: Creamy Green Plantain Mash with Garlic 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 Popular: Creamy Green Plantain Mash with Garlic 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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