It might be the most important meal of the day, but eating the same ol’ breakfast day in and day out can start feeling pretty dull. Sure, sugary cereal might be a busy parent’s go-to on mornings when you have to get your kids on the school bus, but it isn’t always the healthiest option. Eating an omelette may be an egg-cellent way to start your day, but if you haven’t tried mangu, you might be missing out on what’s truly a delicious dish.
Mangu (pronounced man-goo), is a meal that hails from the Dominican Republic. But what exactly is it? Typically served for breakfast, mangu is made from boiled (and then smashed) green plantains. It’s often served with pickled red onions on top. It can be eaten alone but is often served with a side of fried cheese (or queso de freir, as it’s more commonly known), as well as slices of fried salami.
Frank Cotto, one half of the group Hot Peas ‘N Butter, gave us his family’s recipe for Dominican mangu. So whether your child prefers pancakes or always wants to eat oatmeal, try making mangu one morning and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this yummy meal.
Mangu
Ingredients
- 4 green plantains
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 red onion
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop green plantains into small chunks.
- Add to salted boiling water, and cook for 20 minutes, or until plantains are fork tender.
- Drain, but reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- In a bowl, mash the plantains, adding the cooking liquid and one cup of very cold water (this prevents the mangú from becoming too sticky).
- Add the butter, salt and pepper.
- Serve with seasoned red onions (recipe below), fried queso blanco and salami, to your taste.
Seasoned Red Onions:
- Slice half of a red onion into strips.
- Add two cups boiling water and cook for about five minutes.
- Remove from heat and drain.
- Add 1 tbsp. white vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
- Top the mangú with the red onions.