Mofongo (Garlic-Flavored Mashed Plantains): a very tasty dish with pork rind mixed in and strong umami flavor that will become your new favorite recipe.
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Mofongo is a dish with a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Dominicans. However, concedes Aunt Clara, the version we know best actually originates in the neighboring island of Puerto Rico. While there is a Dominican mofongo, it was traditionally made with plantains roasted on coal (sources), as opposed to fried plantains. This was, therefore, different from the Puerto Rican mofongo we've now come to love.
Not surprisingly, I know some Dominicans who would take serious issue with that claim. This is the flagship dish in many typical Dominican restaurants like Adrian Tropical, which offers a number of variations on the theme. Some Dominicans would consider it heresy to label it as a foreign import.
Mofongo – never, ever to be confused with mondongo! – is a sensitive subject. I always have to think twice before saying the word, especially when ordering in a restaurant. I don’t know what I’d do if a steaming plate of innards was put in front of me instead. I'm also going to re-read this article very carefully to make sure I haven't put my foot in it, so to speak.
Putting that aside for a moment...
What is mofongo?
Mofongo is a tasty dish made with fried green plantains, which are mashed with garlic and mixed with pork cracklings, then shaped into a ball and served in a pilón (the mortar bit of the pestle and mortar).
Classic mofongo is made with chicharrón (fried pork rind), but other variations exist. Adrian Tropical also does a chicken version and – my choice – a garlic shrimp alternative. They are all served with a garlicky broth to moisten the plantain and bring out the flavor. It is a popular comfort food, and can be eaten for lunch or supper. Mofongo is also a popular snack for late-night revelers.
Mofongo in Puerto Rico and in the Dominican Rep.
I had the pleasure of visiting Puerto Rico last month. Go to Puerto Rico and you’ll find the same thing – mofongo is all over the place there too.
So much of Puerto Rican cuisine is similar to Dominican, that it’s difficult to say who invented what. There are some differences, like in the spelling. What we know as guandules (pigeon peas) in the DR is spelled gandules in PR. Similar or identical dishes sometimes have different names. And some Puerto Rican dishes share a name but nothing else with some Dominican dishes.
So, Is mofongo Dominican or Puerto Rican?
The short answer: It is both. There may be differences in how they were traditionally made in each country, but the similarities are more numerous than the differences.
How’s this for a compromise? Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine share the exact same roots: Taíno, African and Spanish. Both countries have Middle Eastern and Chinese immigrants, as well as European influences apart from the Spanish. The only striking difference being the Corsican influx to Puerto Rico. Later influences may have varied – for obvious reasons. Puerto Rico has a much stronger US influence than the Dominican Republic, for example, while the DR has closer contact with its Haitian neighbors.
Mofongo, however, comes from the African side of the family so that’s where we shall say its origins really lie. Dominicans and Puerto Ricans are the grateful heirs.
Aunt Ilana*
* Notes and research by Aunt Clara
Mofongo Recipe (Garlic-Flavored Mashed Plantains)
Ingredients
For the broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb beef bones [0.45 kg] any type would do
- 2 cloves garlic mashed
- 1 onion halved
- 4 cups water
- 1 sprig cilantro
- 1 sprig of recao/cilantro ancho/culantro optional
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 3/4 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
For the mofongo
- 1 cup oil for frying (corn, peanut or soy)
- 5 unripe plantains peeled, cut into ¾" [2 cm] slices
- 1 lb pork cracklings cut into 1″ [2.5 cm] pieces
- 2 tbsp garlic mashed
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
Instructions
How to make the broth.
- In a deep pot heat the oil over medium heat. Brown the meat being careful that it does not burn. Add the garlic and onion and stir. Pour in water, and add cilantro, cilantro ancho, and oregano.
- Simmer for an hour over low heat, topping off the water every once in a while to maintain the same level.
- Season with salt to taste. Sieve and remove the solids.
How to make mofongo
- Heat oil over medium heat and fry the plantains till golden brown all over (3-5 mins). Using a pilón (wooden mortar [link to affiliate store]) mash the plantain, garlic, and cracklings together (You might have to do it in small batches and mix in the end).
- Shape into 6 balls and place in small bowls.
- Serve garnished with the beef stock.
Notes
How do you reheat mofongo?
If you ever have leftover mofongo that you want to reheat, the best way to do so is to heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pan-fry the mofongo until it is heated-through.Nutrition
Looking for more Mofongo recipes?
- Camarofongo (Shrimp Mofongo recipe)
- Mofonguito cups stuffed with shrimp and avocado
- Ripe Plantain Mofonguito Cups recipe
- Boricua Mofongo by Sazon Boricua
References:
(1) Amanda Ornes de Perelló, Cocina Criolla. Sto. Dgo.: Ed. del Caribe, 1962.
"Mafongo (sic) [...] Se asan plátanos y se majn (sic) y se mezclan con chicharrón molido"
(1) Ligia de Bornia. Comidas Típicas Dominicanas. Sto. Dgo: Arte y Cine, 1965
"Mofongo [...] Maje los plátanos asados y los chicharrones en el mismo pilón"
What if u dont have a pilon? Can u use a food processor?
I am Puerto Rican and every time I go to PR I gotta have the mofongo. Theres nothing like it. I have made it at home for my family with shrimp and chicken and its a homerun every time.
Tried this recipe and loved it. The broth was perfect and the mofongo brought me back to the DR. Thank you so much for making the recipe available.
We were in Puerto Rico and ate at Edith's. We had chicken mofongo which had a red sauce on it. Where can I find a similar recipe for this sauce?