Mofongo Magic: the must-try Puerto Rican comfort food 🇵🇷✨

Mofongo: the Puerto Rican dish that changed my mind about mashed plantains 🇵🇷🥜

Before last week, I thought plantains were just bananas that never got sweet. Then I went to Puerto Rico with my school for Spring Break, and wow... was I wrong.

Enter: Mofongo.

"You HAVE to try it," said my teacher and chaperon Ms. PG, who has family in San Juan. "It’s THE dish of Puerto Rico."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Mashed plantains. But, like, magical."

Magical mashed plantains? Okay, I was intrigued.

Mofongo: Puerto Rico’s crispy, garlicky, flavor BOMB 🥜🔥

Mofongo is not just mashed plantains. It’s fried green plantains mashed with garlic, crunchy pork cracklings (chicharrón), and a touch of broth. The result? A crispy-yet-soft, garlicky, umami-packed mound of deliciousness that soaks up any sauce you throw at it.

It’s usually served with a side of camarones al ajillo (garlic shrimp), pollo guisado (stewed chicken), or just drenched in a rich, savory broth. Every bite is a perfect mix of crispy edges, fluffy inside, and bold flavors.

My First Attempt

Of course, I had to try making it at home. How hard could it be?

Answer: HARD.

First mistake? Not frying the plantains long enough. Instead of crispy golden pieces, I got sad, oily chunks. Second mistake? Not mashing them fast enough. Mofongo has to be mashed while hot—otherwise, you’ll be fighting a starchy, sticky mess.

But after round two, I finally got it right. And let me tell you—it was SO worth it.

How to make Mofongo like a Puerto Rican abuela 🍽️

🏰 What You’ll Need:

✔️ 3 green plantains (NOT ripe ones!)

✔️ 3 cloves garlic, minced

✔️ 1/2 cup pork cracklings (chicharrón)

✔️ 1/4 cup chicken broth (for moisture)

✔️ 1/4 cup olive oil or butter

✔️ Salt & pepper to taste

✔️ Extra broth or shrimp/chicken for serving

🥳 How to Make It:

1️⃣ Peel and slice the plantains into thick rounds.

2️⃣ Fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy (about 5 minutes).

3️⃣ Mash them while hot with garlic, chicharrón, salt, and a bit of broth to help it all come together.

4️⃣ Shape into a dome (or just pile it up on your plate if you’re impatient like me).

5️⃣ Serve with shrimp, chicken, or extra broth for dipping!

Why You NEED to Try Mofongo 🇵🇷✨

✔️ It’s crispy, garlicky, and packed with flavor.

✔️ It’s naturally gluten-free (plantains FTW!).

✔️ It makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island, even if you’re just in your kitchen.

After one week in Puerto Rico, I’m officially a mofongo fan for life. And now I totally get why Ms. PG insisted I try it.

So if you ever find yourself in Puerto Rico (or near a good Puerto Rican restaurant), don’t even think... Just order mofongo. Your taste buds will thank you.

🌟¡Buen provecho! 🌟🇵🇷