Popular Mofongo de Plátano Maduro
Creamy mashed plantains infused with garlic and olive oil, a comforting Puerto Rican staple that melts in your mouth. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, vegetable broth 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 (1 lb total), peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick ripe plantains
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 large peeled and sliced ripe plantains (1/2-inch thick) in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat; cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and just golden, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Return the drained plantains to the pot, add 1/4 cup vegetable broth and 1/4 tsp salt, then mash with a potato masher until completely smooth and creamy, adding up to 2 tbsp more broth if too thick.
- Step 4: Transfer the mofongo to a serving bowl, season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, and top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Popular Mofongo de Plátano Maduro 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 Popular Mofongo de Plátano Maduro?
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 Popular Mofongo de Plátano Maduro?
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 Popular Mofongo de Plátano Maduro 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 Popular Mofongo de Plátano Maduro 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
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
