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Mofongo is a classic Puerto Rican dish made from fried, mashed plantains mixed with garlic, pork cracklings, and other delicious seasonings. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly cheap to make for just $3!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Mofongo
- Ultra Cheap: Costs less than $1 per serving.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main dish, side, or snack.
- Hearty & Satisfying: The perfect blend of crispy, garlicky, and savory flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats well for a tasty snack anytime.
Learn more about Puerto Rican cuisine from Serious Eats.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4, Cost: $3.00)
- 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced ($1.00)
- 1/4 cup pork cracklings (chicharrones), crumbled ($0.75)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.15)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or butter ($0.60)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Negligible)
- Chicken broth (optional, for moistening) ($0.50)
Want an authentic recipe? Check out this Mofongo recipe from The Spruce Eats.
🍳 Instructions
- Fry the Plantains: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry plantain slices until golden brown and tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Mash the Plantains: In a large mortar and pestle (or a bowl), combine fried plantains, garlic, pork cracklings, and salt. Mash until well mixed and somewhat smooth.
- Form Mofongo: Shape the mixture into a ball or press into a small bowl to mold.
- Serve Hot: Drizzle with olive oil or butter and serve with chicken broth on the side for dipping.
Looking for more tips? Read this guide from Food & Wine.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Green Plantains | $1.00 |
| Pork Cracklings | $0.75 |
| Garlic | $0.15 |
| Olive Oil / Butter | $0.60 |
| Chicken Broth | $0.50 |
| Total Cost | $3.00 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Mofongo
- Use green plantains for the best texture.
- Adjust garlic and chicharrones to your taste.
- Serve with garlic shrimp or chicken broth for extra flavor.
For more Puerto Rican recipes, visit Serious Eats.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
Puerto Rican Mofongo is a delicious, satisfying, and ridiculously cheap dish to make. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with garlic shrimp, or paired with chicken broth, it’s a flavor-packed treat that everyone should try.
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
