Pour oil into a pan (oil should be at least 2 inches deep) and place on a stove over medium-high heat (if you have a stove/cooker with number 1-5, medium-high heat is a 4).

Once the oil is hot (about 175 – 180 degrees celsius), add the chopped plantains and fry for 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove the plantain from the hot oil (switch off your stove/cooker) and place on a paper towel to drain the excess.

In a bowl or a mortar, add the chopped garlic and fried plantain (a few at a time, if using a small bowl or mortar), then mash with a pestle or potato masher until it’s all mixed together.

Create a space in the middle, add the bacon bits or pork cracklings, then continue mashing until it all comes together.

Now the Mofongo is ready. Simply shape as desired. You can do this by forming a ball with your hands or by pressing it into a small greased bowl and tap onto a flat plate to create a half-dome shape.

Serve while it is still hot alongside your preferred protein.