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Mofongo (Puerto Rican Plantain Balls)

A staple of Puerto Rico, this fried plaintain mash can be served with a simple salad or rice and beans.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4

green plantains

2

cups canola or olive oil

Kosher salt to taste

6

garlic cloves

2

tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1

pound crisp fried pork rinds, also known as chicharrón

1

slice of bacon, cooked

1

cup low-sodium chicken stock

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel plantains and cut into one-inch slices.

    Step 2

    In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat oil to 350 degrees. Add plantain slices in two batches and fry for 7 minutes, turning once, until light golden but not browned. Drain on paper towels.

    Step 3

    In a large mortar or big bowl, crush garlic cloves with pestle or the back of a spoon and sprinkle with salt. Add olive oil to the mixture and keep pounding until it's well incorporated. Transfer to a small bowl.

    Step 4

    In the same mortar or bowl, crush half of the fried plantain slices with half of the pork rinds, 1/2 slice of cooked bacon, and half the garlic aioli and pound or smash together. Add up to 1/2 cup chicken stock as needed, to make it moist.

    Step 5

    Spoon the mixture and shape into two-inch balls. Repeat with remaining ingredients and keep in warm oven until ready to serve. Top with more crushed chicharrón, or cilantro if you wish.