Skip to main content

Mofongo (Puerto Rican Plantain Balls)

4.4

(2)

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

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.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Nutty, protein-packed, and batchable—perfect for hectic mornings.