Dominican Comfort Food- Mangu

As the wife of a Dominican, I can truly say that breakfast at my mother-in-law's house is something I anxiously wait to enjoy. Since I was introduced to this dish, it has become my new official comfort food. Mangu is a Dominican dish served mainly for breakfast, and sometimes for lunch. It is mashed plantain topped with onions that have been sauteed in olive oil, butter, and -wait for it- vinegar. Sounds weird, I know but boy is it delicious! Mangu is typically accompanied by a Dominican style salami, sausage, fried cheese, and a fried egg. For this recipe, however, I am leaving out all the meats. That means the Vegetarians and Vegans of the world get to enjoy this dish also!

Fun Fact: It is said that this delicious plantain dish got its name from American invaders who told the locals of Dominican Republic "Man this is good" after tasting their mashed plantain dish. It was translated to "Mangu" by the locals, and supposedly, that's how it got it's name.

Traditionally, the plantains are mashed using the water that they are boiled in, but sometimes it is made with warm milk instead (that's how I make it). I've tried different ways of making this dish with different brands or ingredients, and this one happens to be the one I like the most.

Ingredients:

2 plantains (one ripe, one green)

1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 1/4 cup milk

vinegar of choice

one garlic clove (optional)

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Directions

1. In a large pot, boil 6 quarts of water.

2. While waiting for the water to boil, cut the top and bottom tips of the plantains, and slice into the sides of the plantains from top to bottom (about 4 slices around the plantain). DO NOT peel the plantains

3. Place plantains with the peels into the boiling water for 25 minutes.

4. While the plantains are boiling, thinly slice the red onions. Leave the onions in their round shape.

5. Once the plantains are done boiling, let them cool

6. While the plantains are cooling, on medium heat, add the olive oil and 1 tsp. of the butter to a small frying pan.

7. Once the butter has melted and the pan has reached the medium temperature, add the garlic and onions; sautee until the onions have become somewhat translucent and soft. (Don't let the garlic turn brown; if this happens, lower the heat)

8. Mix in vinegar of your choice (I like red wine vinegar), turn the heat to low.

9. Now that the plantains are cool, carefully peel the plantains and place into a food processor with the milk, 3 tsp.'s of butter, and 1/2 tsp. of salt. Blend until it has a thick mashed potato-like consistency.

10. Place into your jar, and top off with the onions.

I hope you enjoy mangu as much as I do. I garnished mine with a little piece of fried cheese which I also LOVE!