Smashed Garlic Plantains Mofongo

---

This is a classic puerto rican dish that is also popular in cuba (similar to the dominican mangu"). If you don’t have a tostonera (two pieces of wood hinged together to flatten plantains) use a glass or a small plate to flatten the plantains. If you don't use bacon and stop at step 2 you have tostones which also a great side dish."

---

Steps

---

Mix handful of salt into a bowl of cold water and soak plantain chunks.

---

Place stock in saucepan over low heat to warm.

---

Bring at least 1 inch of oil to about 350 f degrees in a deep skillet.

---

Meanwhile , cook chicharrones or bacon until crisp.

---

Remove from heat and drain.

---

Remove plantains from water , drain and dry them on towels , then deep fry the pieces until golden brown and tender.

---

Remove from oil.

---

Flatten the plantains using the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass bottle or a tostonera if you have one.

---

Fry the plantains again for 30 seconds on each side until slightly crispy.

---

While the plantains are still hot use a wooden mortar and pestle to mash them with the garlic and the chicharrones.

---

Add salt and pepper to taste.

---

You can also use a food processor add the plantains to food processor with bacon , garlic and some salt and pepper.

---

You may have to work in batches.

---

Process to consistency of mashed not whipped potatoes.

---

Do not over process !.

---

Place the mixture in soup bo.

---

Ingredients

---

salt, green plantains, beef stock, oil, pork cracklings, garlic, fresh ground black pepper, fresh cilantro leaves