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Tasty Apprentice
Hello everyone! Today I want to share with you a recipe for mofongo. It's a delicious dish made from green plantains, originating from Puerto Rico. It's garlicky, salty, and so flavorful. Let's get started! 
Ingredients
For Chicharron:


Ingredients
For Chicharron:
- 1 lb. skin-on pork belly
- 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1ΒΎ tsp. Morton kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp. freshly ground pepper
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- ΒΌ cup fresh lime juice
- ΒΌ cup fresh orange juice
- Vegetable oil (for frying; 6β8 cups)
- 2 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 Tbsp. plus Β½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
- 4 medium green plantains, peeled, sliced crosswise 1" thick
- 3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
- β cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Cilantro leaves and lime wedges (for serving)
Special Equipment
- A deep-fry thermometer
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Chicharron- Place the pork belly, skin-side down, in a large pot.
- Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Add lime juice, orange juice, and water. Bring to a low boil and cook until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 50β60 minutes.
- Transfer the pork belly to paper towels, pat dry, and cut into ΒΌ" pieces.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 325Β°F.
- Carefully lower the pork belly into the oil and fry until crisp and golden, about 15β20 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- In a large bowl, dissolve salt in room-temperature water.
- Add sliced plantains and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Drain the plantains and pat dry with paper towels.
- Reheat the oil in the pot to 325Β°F.
- Working in batches, fry the plantains until golden brown, about 8β10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- In a mortar and pestle, combine smashed garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the fried plantains and chicharron, pounding until combined and mostly smooth. Alternatively, use a medium bowl and a potato masher.
- Taste the mofongo and season with more salt if needed.
- Press the mofongo firmly into a dome shape on a large plate.
- Top with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.
