Mashed Plantains and Pork Rinds (Mofongo)

| Puerto Rican Cuisine

Category: Plantain

Ingredients

• 3 very green plantains
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ pound pork rinds, also known as chicharrones or pork cracklings, ground
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup stock or broth
• 1 tablespoon fat (e.g. olive oil, butter, or lard)

Instructions

1. Peel the plantains and cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Place the plantains in the oil and fry on both sides (approximately 3 ½ minutes per side).
3. Remove the plantains from the pan and flatten the plantains by placing a plate over the fried plantains and pressing down.
4. Return the plantains to the hot oil and fry 1 minute on each side. Then, place on paper towels.
5. While the plantains are still hot, use a mortar and pestle to mash them with the garlic, fat, and stock or broth. Add the chicharrones, salt, and pepper to taste.

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