Mangú de Plátano Maduro con Frutas Tropicales

Introduction

Mangú de Plátano Maduro con Frutas Tropicales is a delightful Caribbean dish that blends the rich, savory flavors of mashed ripe plátano maduro with the fresh, vibrant notes of tropical fruits. Originating from the Dominican Republic, mangú is traditionally made with green plantains, but this sweet variation showcases the versatility of ripe plantains. The addition of tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and papaya provides a refreshing twist, making it perfect for a comforting breakfast or a unique dessert. The dish's history traces back to African influences and has evolved over generations to adapt to the Dominican Republic's agricultural bounty.

Ingredients

• 5 ripe plantains (plátano maduro)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced mango
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 cup diced papaya
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Preparation of Mangú

Step 1: Boiling the Plantains

Peel the plantains by cutting off both ends and slicing through the skin lengthwise. Boil the plantains in water with a pinch of salt until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can set a cooking timer to help keep track of time.

Step 2: Mashing the Plantains

Once cooked, drain the plantains and return them to the pot. Add butter, a pinch of salt, and a splash of coconut milk to create a creamy texture. Mash the plantains until smooth, adjusting the consistency by adding more coconut milk if needed.

Preparation of Tropical Fruits

Step 1: Prepping the Fruits

In a large bowl, combine the diced mango, pineapple, and papaya. Drizzle the lime juice over the fruits to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning.

Step 2: Flavoring the Fruits

Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the fruit mixture. Toss gently to combine all the flavors. Let the fruits sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Mangú de Plátano Maduro con Frutas Tropicales

To serve, place a generous scoop of the mangú on a plate. Top with the sweetened tropical fruit mixture, ensuring an even distribution of mango, pineapple, and papaya. For an extra touch, drizzle with more coconut milk if desired.

How to Enjoy

This version of mangú can be enjoyed warm for a comforting breakfast or chilled as a refreshing dessert. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or a tropical smoothie for the full Caribbean experience. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a versatile dish suitable for any time of day.

Additional Tips

• For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg into the fruit mixture.
• To infuse even more tropical aroma, lightly toast some coconut flakes and sprinkle them over the finished dish.
• For those looking for a creamier texture, blend the mash with a hand mixer.