Vegetarian Mofongo: Creamy Plantain and Herb Mash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Puerto Rican side dish made with mashed green plantains, garlic, and herbs, offering a comforting and flavorful accompaniment to any meal. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs minced garlic, vegetable broth, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 large peeled and sliced green plantains (1-inch pieces) in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain and return to the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to the pot.
  3. Step 3: Mash the plantains with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, adding more vegetable broth if needed to reach a spreadable consistency that holds together when pressed.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Mofongo: Creamy Plantain and Herb Mash 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 Vegetarian Mofongo: Creamy Plantain and Herb Mash?

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 minced garlic from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Mofongo: Creamy Plantain and Herb Mash?

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 Vegetarian Mofongo: Creamy Plantain and Herb Mash 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 Vegetarian Mofongo: Creamy Plantain and Herb Mash 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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