1: Culture and Family

In Puerto Rico, family and community are essential and closely connected. Families often include not just parents and children, but also aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. They spend much time together, celebrating special occasions and supporting each other. This strong family bond extends to the wider community, where neighbors and friends look out for one another. People often come together for local events and help each other in need. In Puerto Rico, this sense of togetherness and mutual support is a key part of everyday life.

Mofongo is a popular and delicious dish from Puerto Rico. It’s made from green plantains that are fried until crispy, then mashed together with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings (chicharrón). The mixture is usually shaped into a mound or ball and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides, such as a savory broth, shrimp, or stewed meat. Mofongo has a rich, garlicky flavor and a satisfying, hearty texture. It’s a beloved comfort food in Puerto Rican cuisine, often enjoyed at family gatherings and festive occasions.

Ingredients:

-3 cups canola oil for frying

-3 cloves garlic, or to taste

-3 tablespoons olive oil

-⅛ cup crushed fried pork skins

-2 green plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

-salt to taste

Directions:

-Heat canola oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F. Mash garlic with olive oil in a mortar and pestle. Combine garlic mixture with pork rinds in a large bowl; set aside.

-Fry plantain chunks until golden and crispy, but not brown, about 15 minutes. Transfer fried plantains into the bowl with garlic mixture; toss to coat and mash with the pestle until smooth. Season with salt.

-Roll the plantain mixture into two large balls or several small balls before serving.

Two famous Puerto Rican artists who reflect the island’s culture are Francisco Oller and Bad Bunny. Francisco Oller was a 19th-century painter known for his vibrant landscapes and portraits that captured Puerto Rican life. His work highlighted the island’s beauty and daily scenes. Today, Bad Bunny, a popular reggaeton and Latin trap artist, brings Puerto Rican culture to the forefront with his music and bold fashion choices. Both artists showcase Puerto Rico’s rich heritage and unique sense of beauty through their different art forms.