Indulge in the rich flavors of Cuba with our traditional Fufu de Plátano recipe. Fufu, a beloved staple in Cuban cuisine, combines the sweet essence of ripe plantains with savory undertones, creating a dish that's both satisfying and comforting. In this recipe, ripe plantains are boiled, mashed, and seasoned to perfection, resulting in a creamy and delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Whether you're exploring Cuban flavors for the first time or seeking a taste of nostalgia, this Fufu de Plátano recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Havana.

Ingredients:

• 4 green plantains
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pork cracklings (chicharrones), crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Water for boiling

Instructions:

1- Peel the green plantains and cut them into chunks about 2 inches long.

2- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the plantain chunks and cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3- Drain the plantains and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

4- Using a potato masher or fork, mash the plantains until smooth.

5- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

6- Add the crushed pork cracklings to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cracklings are slightly crispy.

7- Pour the garlic and pork crackling mixture over the mashed plantains in the mixing bowl.

8- Season with salt to taste and mix well until all ingredients are combined.

9- Serve the Fufu de Plátano hot as a side dish or accompaniment to your favorite Cuban meal.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Cuban classic, where the creamy texture of mashed green plantains meets the savory crunch of garlic and pork cracklings. Buen provecho!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cuban Fufu de Plátano recipe:

4 green plantains:

  - Calories: Approximately 900 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 240 grams

  - Protein: About 8 grams

  - Fat: Around 1 gram

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber

Benefits: High in fiber, potassium, and vitamins, supports digestive health and immunity.

4 cloves garlic, minced:

  - Calories: Approximately 16 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 4 grams

  - Protein: About 1 gram

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Around 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties, supports heart health and immune function.

1 cup pork cracklings (chicharrones), crushed:

  - Calories: Approximately 720 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: About 16 grams

  - Fat: Around 72 grams

  - Sodium: Around 840 mg

  - Cholesterol: About 120 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains iron, zinc, and B vitamins

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients, but also high in saturated fats and sodium.

2 tablespoons olive oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: Around 28 grams

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin E and monounsaturated fats

Benefits: Source of healthy fats, supports heart health and provides energy.

Salt to taste:

  - Nutritional content depends on the amount used; typically, it contains sodium.

Water for boiling:

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: No significant nutritional value

Benefits: Hydrates and aids in cooking without adding calories or nutrients.