Dominican restaurant El Mofongo opens in Hempstead

Whether it’s green plantain with sausage and cheese, pork belly or shrimp, try mofongo, the house specialty at the newly opened El Mofongo Dominican restaurant in Hempstead.

With roots in Africa, the one-pot mashed stew served around the Caribbean can be especially satisfying as the weather turns colder. Prices here run from $6.25 for the burger mofongo to $18.95 for the seafood version.

Martha and Hector Caro opened this 25-seat restaurant last week, with Hector cooking and his wife baking desserts. Among savory dishes, Hector Caro recommends roast pork or ribs with rice and beans, plantains and a salad ($18.95 to $23.95), as well as sandwiches such as the Cubano and beef with chimichurri ($4.25 to $6.50).

Martha Caro is a self-taught baker, learning especially elaborate cake decorating from YouTube, she said. She plans on selling Oreo, chocolate and coconut cakes, tiramisu, flan and an array of cupcakes by the serving or as special orders. Prices start at $2 per cupcake to $15 for standard cakes.

El Mofongo is open at 7 every morning for breakfast — which includes eggs, omelettes and sides such as Spanish sausage and mashed plantains for $4.25 to $5. The restaurant remains open until 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

684 Fulton Ave., Hempstead; 516-280-7782