If youve been searching for the perfect recipe to add a touch of Caribbean inspired goodness to your cooking, look no further! Our fantastic Mofongo recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds and provide an incredible culinary experience.
I love mofongo and with its traditional Puerto Rican flavors, this savory dish is packed with flavor, texture and plenty of garlic-infused goodness. This savory plantain dish takes just minutes to make and will be a hit at any dinner party or special occasion. Let us show you how easy it is to prepare Mofongo in four simple steps that create a flavorful family favorite meal everyone will love!
This Puerto Rican mofongo recipe encompasses its Afro-Caribbean roots and Spanish influence; it achieves layers of flavor via simple and humble ingredients but is presented with flair.
This month of February, as part of Black History Month, my recipe for mofongo relleno will be featured as part of a Black History Month Virtual Potluck along with recipes by 27 other amazing and uber-talented black food bloggers.
Each of us will share one dish that’s deeply rooted in black culture; and because we all hail from different parts of the world you’ll have the chance to experience a myriad of dishes from across different meal occasions including vegan/vegetarian, meats/seafood, desserts, etc. as well as geographical locations from Africa and the related African Diaspora.
Scroll to the end of this post to get the full list of those bloggers participating as well as their recipes.
My favorite TV show ever hands down is Sanford and Son. Of its top ranking among greatest TV shows there is no debate! Though it aired well before my time, thanks to syndication and DVD Box sets I’ve seen every episode multiple times.
It was through an episode that I learned of the greatness of mofongo. Fred and Lamont’s new Puerto Rican neighbor, Julio Fuentes invited Lamont over for dinner. Lamont explained to his incredulous Pop that Julio had made “a dish of some stuff that was terrific” in reference to mofongo. From that point on I was curious.
What is Mofongo Relleno?
Mofongo is a Puerto Rican staple dish. Relatively easy to make yet big on FLAVOR! In a nutshell, you’re just lightly pan-frying plantains and mashing them with a few simple ingredients.
It’s their mashed potatoes but with much more flair! It’s made with mashed green plantains (savory bananas), mashed garlic and crunchy chicharron (fried pork rinds). It’s rooted in the West African dish fufu where yams or plantains are boiled and pounded into a doughlike consistency then rolled into balls and eaten.
It has a consistency that is neither too soft or too hard sitting somewhere in between mashed potatoes and chunky potato salad. Once mashed the plantains are molded into the shape of a bowl or ramekin and then stuffed with garlic and bacon in its simplest form.
Fresh herbs, onions, etc. may appear in different regional or familial versions. In this form mashed plantains are typically a side, but when stuffed or topped with braised meats or seafood it becomes mofongo relleno, a main entree.
In my version, I create a mofongo relleno de camarones which is Mofongo topped with shrimp and roasted red pepper sauce.
Plantains are the key ingredient in this recipe which calls for both green and ripe ones.
- Green Plantains
- Shrimp
- Garlic Cloves
- Bacon
- Red Bell Pepper
- Yellow Onion
- Cilantro
- Sweet Smoked Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Fried Pork Skin (optional)
Step 4: Make the mofongo mix
Using a mortar & pestle of large bowl + potato masher – mash plantains then add minced garlic, spices, and cilantro. Next add in the bacon, onions, peppers, and pan grease. Knead the plantain mash mix until well mixed but not overmixed.
Guy Fieri Tries Chicken Mofongo Relleno and Alcapurrias | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Food Network
FAQ
What is chicken mofongo made of?
What does mofongo taste like?
What type of food is mofongo?
How do you make mofongo relleno in Puerto Rico?
Recipe for Puerto Rican staple mofongo relleno which is mashed fried plantains stuffed with garlic, olive oil, spices, and shrimp then topped with creamy roasted red pepper sauce Cut the ends of the plantains, peel them and cut into 1-inch thick pieces and let them soak in salted water for 15 minutes. Drain the plantains and dry them very well.
What is mofongo relleno?
When it is stuffed with meat it is called mofongo relleno and is a delightful meal on its own! It can be served with or without a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Like my recipe for pasteles (tropical starches stuffed with meat and served like a tamale), I learned to make mofongo from my sweet Puerto Rican mother-in-law.
What is plantain mofongo?
Classic plantain mofongo is a dish made of fried plantains, mashed and mixed with garlic paste and chicharrón (crispy pork skin). It is served alongside beef broth. Traditionally, mofongo is served in a pilón, a wooden mortar (the bowl-like part of the mortar and pestle). Bowl of fried mofongo with a bowl of broth.
How do you eat mofongo in Puerto Rico?
Place the shrimp around and on top of the mofongo. Served this as a main dish topped with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, a hit of lime juice, and more chopped cilantro. Mofongo is a popular Puerto Rican dish made from mashed plantain slices and typically served with a meat or seafood dish and a side of vegetables.