Name: Mashed Plantains with Fried Eggs (Mangú de plátanos)
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 large plantains, peeled and cut in half lengthwise; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup (60 mL) white vinegar 2 tablespoons (30 mL); Extra-virgin olive oil or unsalted butter, divided; ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) sea salt; ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) freshly cracked pepper; 2 tablespoons (30 mL) vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Photo of mashed plantains with sliced avocados a fried egg and red onions.

Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo

If you ask any Dominican what is their breakfast of choice, be prepared to hear mangú de plátanos. It is basically mashed plantains, a favorite in every house, and the toppings vary from fried or scrambled eggs to fried local cheese to red onions. Since this is a country rich with avocado trees, a few slices usually make it into this delicious breakfast dish. It’s what I crave most when I miss my family and the first breakfast I need to have as soon as I arrive for a visit.

Tip

Plantains are native to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. They are a member of the banana family, but starchier and lower in sugar, with a flavor similar to potatoes. You can find them at most large grocery stores, near the potatoes and squash.

Recipe information

Yield
2 servings

Ingredients

2 large plantains, peeled and cut in half lengthwise

½ red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup (60 mL) white vinegar 2 tablespoons (30 mL)

Extra-virgin olive oil or unsalted butter, divided

¼ teaspoon (1 mL) sea salt

¼ teaspoon (1 mL) freshly cracked pepper

2 tablespoons (30 mL) vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Preparation

Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the plantains and boil until fork-tender, about 25 minutes. Drain the plantains, reserving ½ cup (125 mL) of the cooking water.
Step 2
Meanwhile, place the red onion in a small bowl and cover with the vinegar.
Step 3
Transfer the plantains to a medium bowl and add the reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mash the plantains to the consistency of mashed potatoes.
Step 4
In a medium frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Drain the red onions and discard the vinegar. Add the onions to the pan and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 5
In the same pan (no need to wipe clean), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil over medium heat. Carefully crack the eggs into the pan, leaving space between each egg. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the whites are cooked and no longer translucent and the yolks are still runny. (I prefer the eggs over easy for this dish.)
Step 6
To serve, divide the mashed plantain between plates and top with a fried egg, cooked onions, and a few slices of avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Diala's Kitchen cookbook cover with photo for three vegetable tacos topped with crumbled cheese.

From Diala's Kitchen: Plant-Forward and Pescatarian Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel. Copyright © 2020 by Diala Canelo. Reprinted with permission by Penguin Random House Canada. Pre-order the full book from Amazon.