Mofongo with Carne Frita

Ingredients

• For the Carne Frita (Fried Pork Bites):
• 5 lbs pork shoulder or pork ribs, cut into bite-sized chunks 🥩
• 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp orange juice 🍊
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Mofongo (Mashed Plantains):
• 3 large green plantains, peeled and cut into thick slices 🍌
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 3 tbsp butter or pork fat 🧈
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup crispy bacon bits (optional) 🥓
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 cup chicken broth (for softening the mofongo)
• For Garnishing & Serving:
• Chopped fresh cilantro 🌿
• Garlic sauce or ají dipping sauce

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Marinate the Pork
2. 2In a bowl, mix adobo, black pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic, vinegar, and orange juice.
3. 3Coat the pork chunks in the marinade and let sit for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).
4. 42️⃣ Fry the Pork
5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
6. 6Fry the pork chunks for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7Drain on paper towels and set aside.
8. 83️⃣ Prepare the Mofongo
9. 9In a separate pan, heat olive oil and cook garlic until fragrant.
10. 10Fry the plantain slices in hot oil until golden and tender, about 5 minutes per side.
11. 11Remove and mash in a large bowl with butter (or pork fat), garlic, salt, pepper, and crispy bacon bits.
12. 12Slowly add chicken broth, mashing until desired consistency is reached.
13. 134️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
14. 14Shape the mofongo into small mounds and serve with crispy carne frita on the side.
15. 15Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with garlic sauce or a tangy dipping sauce.