Spicy Dominican Mangu with Fried Cheese and Salami

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

A hearty breakfast classic from the Dominican Republic featuring mashed plantains served with crispy fried cheese and salami slices. This latin american-inspired breakfast ready in about 40 minutes combines medium green plantains, water, salt into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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 Latin American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and cut 4 medium green plantains into large chunks. Place them in a pot with 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for 20 minutes until plantains are soft.
  2. Step 2: Drain the plantains, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Mash the plantains with 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, adding reserved water as needed to reach a creamy, mashed consistency.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 8 oz sliced Dominican-style salami in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: In the same oil, fry 8 oz sliced queso de freír cheese for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Serve the mashed plantains (mangu) hot with fried salami and cheese arranged on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Dominican Mangu with Fried Cheese and Salami take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Spicy Dominican Mangu with Fried Cheese and Salami?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Dominican Mangu with Fried Cheese and Salami?

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 Spicy Dominican Mangu with Fried Cheese and Salami 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 Spicy Dominican Mangu with Fried Cheese and Salami?

Latin American breakfast 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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