Discover the irresistible charm of the Dominican kitchen with our delightful recipe for "Mofonguito Maduro"! This mouthwatering dish, featuring perfectly fried ripe plantains topped with gooey cheese and savory ground beef, is sure to become a family favorite. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delicious treat that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, and savory flavors. Ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your culinary skills? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and get ready to indulge in a true taste of the Caribbean!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Dominican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ground beef (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel the ripe plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow lengthwise cut through the skin. Carefully remove the skin and slice the plantains diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for frying.
- Carefully place the plantain slices into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the fried plantain slices and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly.
- If using ground beef, brown the meat in a separate pan, seasoning with salt to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- Using a wooden mortar or the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press and mash each fried plantain slice to flatten it slightly.
- Arrange the flattened plantain pieces on a serving plate.
- If desired, top the plantains with the cooked ground beef.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm plantains, allowing it to slightly melt.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and the plantains are crispy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Plantains: Make sure to select ripe plantains that are yellow with some black spots. This ensures they are sweet and perfect for frying.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Before adding the plantains, test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the plantains in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy plantains instead of crispy ones.
- Perfectly Flattened: When mashing the fried plantains, apply gentle pressure to keep them thick enough to hold toppings without breaking apart.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add black beans, avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to give your mofonguito a personal twist.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the mofonguito right away while the cheese is warm and melty, and the plantains are still crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
