Mofongo
(Machuquillo)
Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish made from fried unripe plantains which are then pulverized or mashed. The starchy dish can be further enriched by the addition of ingredients such as lobster, prawns, garlic, chicken, or bacon. Although mofongo is Puerto Rican, it has African origins, as it was originally brought to Puerto Rico by slaves from Western and Central Africa.
Today, it is also popular in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, where it's called mangu, and the plantains are not fried but boiled. Mofongo is usually consumed as a main dish, served with broth and fried meat, due to its starchiness that is ideal for absorbing all of the flavorful juices.
Recipe variations
Mofongo
READY IN 30minThe following recipe shows how to make mofongo the traditional way, with just plantains, chicharrón, garlic, and oil.
Puerto Rican Mofongo
READY IN 35minIn this variant, the addition of bacon and stock makes for a more moist and flavorful mofongo. It is the creation of chef Sergio Remolina, a former director of Latin cuisines at The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio.
Mofongo Relleno with Stewed Chicken
READY IN 2h 30minThe following is the recipe for a stuffed mofongo, which in this case, is stuffed with stewed chicken. The mofongo is soft and flavorful thanks to the addition of stock and bacon, and the recipe also shows you how to prepare the stewed chicken.
Mofongo Relleno with Shrimp and Red Pepper Sauce
READY IN 35minThe following recipe is for a mofongo relleno that is served with sautéed shrimp and red pepper sauce. The mofongo is made with fried plantains and enriched with onions, bacon, and red bell pepper, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro.
Mofongo Relleno de Churrasco
READY IN 1h 30minThe following recipe takes a different approach to mofongo. Mofongo is made with just cooked plantains that are mashed with garlic, salt, and broth, shaped into patties, and then pan-fried. When done, the patties are topped with a churrasco, in this case, skirt steak that's been pan-fried, then simmered in tomato sauce.
Mofongo Authentic recipe
The following recipe shows how to make mofongo the traditional way, with just plantains, chicharrón, garlic, and oil.
WHERE TO EAT The best Mofongo in the world (according to food experts)
"For some of the best mofongo in San Juan, head to Orozco’s. Their “trifongo” is made with a combination of plantains, cassava, and sweet potato, and you can get it with a choice of seafood, meat, or vegetables. For an authentic Puerto Rican meal at a reasonable price, this is a great option."
"Focus on the tostones (fried plantains) and the mofongo (mashed fried green plantains with red snapper), which are easily the best in Old San Juan."
"We ordered the Seafood and Beef Mofongo to try both - and loved them so much, we basically licked the plate clean!"
"Start out with the mofongo relleno with Mahi Mahi, shrimp, garlic, onions and peppers."
"Served on a bed of mashed plantains you have a choice of succulent beef, chicken or seafood. Raices’ version was the best I ever had."
"Café Berlin offers a seafood & mofongo dish with shrimp, scallops, and fish fillet drenched in a criollo style sauce. It was absolutely lovely!"
"My Favorite Restaurant in PR. If you are very hungry ask for the Mofongo!"
"Opt for the excellent mofongo (stuffed mashed plantains)."
"No matter how you choose to enjoy it, you'll be dreaming of mofongo for days."
