Fufu de Platano (Cuban Boiled Mashed Plantains)

Fufu de Platano, a beloved Cuban classic, celebrates the beauty of mashed plantains. Ripe and unripe plantains are boiled and then mashed to a creamy perfection. Seasoned with salt, onions, garlic, a hint of lime, and a touch of chicken stock, it's a burst of Cuban flavors in every spoonful. Whether as a side dish to your favorite main dish or enjoyed solo, it's a delightful harmony of sweet and savory, capturing the essence of Cuban cuisine with each delectable bite.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 large yellow medium-ripe plantains (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks)
• 1 large green plantain (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lb pork belly (cut into small 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1/4 cup yellow onions (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 cup chicken stock (divided)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a large saucepan with salted water, bring to a boil and add green plantain chunks first. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 10 minutes.
2. 2Now, add in the ripe plantains and cook for another 10 minutes until the plantains are softened.
3. 3In the meantime, add two pinches of salt to the pork pieces.
4. 4In a large skillet, heat olive oil at medium heat. Add the pork pieces and sauté until browned and crispy. Drain and transfer the pork pieces to a bowl but leave the pork drippings in the skillet.
5. 5Heat the pork drippings at medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Set aside.
6. 6Drain the plantains and transfer to a bowl. Start mashing the plantains using a potato masher or a fork. Add 1/4 cup of chicken stock and 4-5 tablespoons of the garlic-onion-lime sauce and continue mashing.
7. 7Fold in the pork pieces but leave some to sprinkle on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8Continue adding chicken stock, 1/4 cup at a time, and mashing until you get a soft, thick paste-like consistency, like mashed potatoes.
9. 9Serve hot!