Mofongo with Chicharrón and Green Sauce

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

Mashed green plantains mixed with crispy pork rinds and a vibrant green sauce for dipping. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes blends crispy pork rinds Chicharrón, Garlic, Olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 medium peeled and sliced green plantains and fry for 5 minutes per side until golden and tender; drain on paper towels and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a mortar, combine 2 cloves garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mashing into a paste. Add fried plantains and 1/2 cup crispy pork rinds, then pound until smooth and well combined, adding a splash of water if too dry.
  3. Step 3: For green sauce, blend 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water until smooth, then season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Serve mofongo warm with green sauce for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo with Chicharrón and Green Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mofongo with Chicharrón and Green Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mofongo with Chicharrón and Green Sauce?

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 with Chicharrón and Green Sauce 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 with Chicharrón and Green Sauce?

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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