Breakfast
Mangú con Queso Frito
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- about 900 g (2 lb) Green plantains, peeled
- 1 tsp Salt
- 30 g (2 tbsp) Butter or oil
- 1 medium Red onion, thinly sliced
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) Apple cider vinegar
- 200 g (7 oz) Queso de freir (frying cheese), sliced
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Warm water reserved from boiling
Method
- Cut plantains into thirds and boil in salted water for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
- Reserve some cooking water, then mash the hot plantains with butter, salt and enough reserved water to reach a smooth, wet-paste consistency.
- In a skillet, saute the sliced onion in a little oil until soft, then deglaze with vinegar; spoon over the mangú.
- In the same skillet, pan-fry the cheese slices 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Serve the mangú warm, topped with pickled onions and the fried cheese alongside.
Introduction: Mangú is the cornerstone of Dominican breakfast, a smooth mash of boiled green plantains introduced through the island’s long plantain-growing tradition.
Cultural Background: Mangú is the cornerstone of Dominican breakfast, a smooth mash of boiled green plantains introduced through the island’s long plantain-growing tradition. Topped with sauteed red onions and served alongside fried cheese, it is often eaten as part of ‘los tres golpes’ (the three hits) alongside fried salami and eggs. For generations it has been the dish Dominican families return to when craving home.
Tips: Keep some hot cooking water on hand; mangú stiffens quickly as it cools. Mash while the plantains are still steaming hot for the smoothest texture.
Variations: Swap queso de freir for halloumi if unavailable. Add fried salami and scrambled eggs to make the full ‘tres golpes’ plate. Naturally vegetarian if butter/oil is used and cheese is standard rennet-free variety; omit salami-based accompaniments.
Storage: Refrigerate mashed plantain in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water, stirring, until loosened and hot throughout.
Nutrition: Calories: 410 | Protein: 12g | Carbs: 58g | Fat: 15g
FAQs
Q: What is queso de freir?
A: A firm, mild, salty white cheese from the Dominican Republic that holds its shape and browns nicely when pan-fried.
Q: Can I use ripe plantains instead?
A: No — mangú specifically requires green (unripe) plantains for its starchy, savory mash.
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