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Mangu: How to Make Dominican Republic Plantain Mash for Breakfast

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Mangu is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in the Dominican Republic. It’s a simple, hearty meal made primarily of mashed green plantains, often served with a savory combination of fried cheese, salami, eggs, and pickled red onions.

This delicious plantain dish is seasoned with salt and sometimes garlic, typically eaten for breakfast. However, you can enjoy it at any time of day, including lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 37 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 5
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Mangu is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in the Dominican Republic. It’s a simple, hearty meal made primarily of mashed green plantains, often served with a savory combination of fried cheese, salami, eggs, and pickled red onions.

Background and History

The origins of mangu are believed to be influenced by African culinary traditions brought to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. Similar plantain-based dishes can be found in many parts of Africa and other Caribbean nations, such as "fufu" in West Africa and "mofongo" in Puerto Rico.

Over time, Dominicans made the dish their own by pairing it with local favorites like queso frito, fried cheese, salami, and fried eggs.

Locals add pickled red onions, often sautéed with vinegar and placed on top, which adds a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 big onion
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • 5 Green Plantain
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
  1. 1
    How to Make Dominican Mangudominican-mangu-recipe-buster (1)
    1. Chop the onion into circles, transfer them into a bowl, add some vinegar and salt, and let them rest for 10 minutes.
    2. Peel the plantain, cut each into two or three pieces, then divide each piece into half cylinders. Soak them in water while peeling them. Transfer them into a cooking pot, cover with water, sprinkle with salt, and boil over medium heat for 20 minutes.
    3. While the plantain cooks, put the olive oil on medium heat and saute the onion with the vinegar mixture for 5 minutes. Set aside.
    4. Once the plantain is ready, drain some of the water and transfer the plantain into a big bowl. Add the butter, the liquid from the onion and a little plantain broth. Mash the plantain with a mashing tool until it’s smooth.  You can mash all the plantains at once or mash them little by little. 
    5. Serve mangu on the plate, garnish with the sautéed onions, and serve alongside fried cheese and fried salami.
    Video Credit: Chef Zee Cooks–YouTube
Note

Tips for Preparing Mangu

  • For a smooth and soft consistency, add cold water to the mashed plantain instead of the hot water.
  • You can add minced garlic cloves while sauteeing the onion to add flavor.
  • Serve mangu alongside fried eggs and sausage of your choice.

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Mangu is a delicious meal rooted in recipes from Africa, shaped by Caribbean tradition, and loved by generations. It’s a humble dish that speaks volumes through its flavor, history, and cultural pride.

You can enjoy mangu anywhere at home or events.

Keywords: Mangu, mashed plantain
Read it online: https://recipebuster.com/recipe/mangu-how-to-make-dominican-republic-plantain-mash-for-breakfast/