Plantain Porridge

Make everyone feel the warmth and comfort of your home with a smooth, thick, and sweet Plantain Porridge.

Since plantains are widely used in West African countries, there is no surprise that the dish was created in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia. The Plantain Porridge is one of the many recipes that you can do with plantains.

Whenever you want to make your family or friends feel welcome, make some Plantain Porridge for a bonding experience. It’s the perfect dish to make for the winter, weekends, and celebrations.

sweet plantain porridge

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Every time I want to relax and unwind, I get myself a cup of Plantain Porridge and I instantly feel better. Wait until you try it, and you will realize how good it makes you feel and how much it improves your diet and lifestyle!

How to Make Plantain Porridge

Have you ever wondered how you can make something smooth and thick with a firm plantain? Well, all it takes is some steaming and blending for the perfect flavor and texture.

Every time I make Plantain Porridge, my family is just bursting with joy and satisfaction. I’m sure your whole family will love it too!

Ingredients

Make the perfect Plantain Porridge with these ingredients:

Plantains

There are so many reasons to love plantains.

Plantains have a sweet and starchy flavor that can make the best porridge. Despite the slightly firm texture of the fruit, you can still turn it into a porridge with the perfect texture.

In this recipe, I suggest using ripe yellow plantains because of their slightly soft texture and sweet flavor. But if you’re excited to cook your plantains, then you can make the porridge with green plantains, too.

Health Benefits of Plantains

  • These are rich in fiber to improve your digestion and promote weight loss.
  • According to Healthier Steps, these plantains are also good for immunity and the heart.
  • The magnesium from these fruits can give you more energy and better sleep quality.
  • Dr. Axe mentioned that plantains can also improve brain function.
  • With plantains, you can increase the good bacteria in your gut too.

Indeed, plantains are not just good for your recipes but also for your health. You can cook them in many ways and regardless of which way you choose, plantains are guaranteed to give you an awesome dining experience!

Cinnamon

Seasoning your porridge with cinnamon goes a long way.

Even if the fruits are already flavorful, a little seasoning will make the dish better. In this recipe, I suggest using cinnamon for a woody, spicy, and warm flavor. It certainly complements the taste of the fruits.

Aside from cinnamon, you can use other spices to make the porridge tastier.

You can never go wrong with using these to make Plantain Porridge!

Directions

Remember these steps when you want to make Plantain Porridge:

  1. Peel and slice the plantains with a knife.
  2. Place a steaming basket in the pot.
  3. Then, arrange the slices in the steaming basket.
  4. Steam the fruits for ten minutes or until tender.
  5. Set it aside to cool. 
  6. Mix water and plantains in a blender.
  7. Season the porridge with cinnamon.
  8. Finally, pour the porridge into a bowl and serve!
steamed plantain porridge

Enjoy a fresh, natural, and delicious porridge! After tasting this, it’ll indeed become one of your favorite dishes of all time. 

Tips

Buying plantains

  • Buy ripe plantains with yellow and black colors.
  • According to Bon Appetit, buy black ones for peak ripeness.
  • They should also yield to a bit of pressure when squeezed. 

Storing plantains

  • Plantains can last up to a week at room temperature.
  • To keep it longer, you can refrigerate it instead.
  • Peel, slice, and let it freeze before transferring it into a freezer bag.
  • Seal the bag and store it in the freezer for several months. 

How to Cook Plantain Without a Steamer

If you don’t have a steamer, then use a wire cooling rack or a slotted pie pan instead. Alternatively, place aluminum foil rolls and a heat-resistant proof inside the pot. Arrange the plantains on the plate and steam a bit of boiling water. 

Additionally, you can microwave it with a bit of water in a microwavable bag or container for up to six minutes or until soft. Otherwise, you can boil the fruits to cook. 

sweet plantain porridge recipe

Plantain Porridge Variations

There are lots of Plantain Porridge recipes you can try out.

Both ripe and unripe plantains can be perfect for your porridge. I suggest using ripe ones for a sweeter flavor while unripe ones if you want to taste something starchy.

Instead of making it from pure plantains, you can mix in some oatmeal, milk, water, and sweeteners for a thicker and tastier meal. I love using coconut milk because of the nutty and rich flavor it adds.

Instead of cinnamon, add other spices like almond milk, vanilla extract, pepper, sugar, and cayenne. Aside from this version, you can also try different flavors, such as:

More Breakfast Recipes For You!

No-Blender Plantain Porridge

To substitute a blender, you can mash the steamed plantains with a fork, a potato masher, or a food processor. Then, prepare it in a bowl to thoroughly mix the ingredients. 

You might achieve the smoothest quality, but it will taste the same. Manual mashing can give more texture and depth to the dish. 

More Plantain Recipes

  • Blender: Make the Plantain Porridge in a blender.
  • Pot: Boil water in a pot to cook. 
  • Steaming basket: Let the fruit cook in a steaming basket.
  • Knife: Peel and slice the fruits with a knife. 
  • Bowl: Transfer the contents into a bowl to consume.

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How to Serve Plantain Porridge

How do you usually enjoy your porridge?

You can serve the Plantain Porridge either warm or hot. On its own, it will already give you a pleasant experience. I also suggest garnishing it with cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

For a touch of crunchy texture, just toss in some almonds or walnuts. Seeds can also added to make it so much better for your health. It’s always good to serve the porridge with fresh fruits that you love, too.

If you want to make it creamy and thick, drizzle it with condensed milk or other kinds of milk to mix. On the side, you can serve it with bread or toast for an extra cozy feeling.

In fact, it can be a great dessert when you top it off with ice cream. I’m sure everyone in your family will love it for breakfast, too. It’s the perfect dish to serve for kids and adults at home!

  • Nigerian Buns – dip your buns in the porridge to make it like a tasty dip.
  • Banana Bread – it’s going to be a pleasant morning with bread and porridge.
  • Vanilla Cake – serve porridge and cake for a great dessert combination.
  • Pancakes – start your morning right with some pancakes and a porridge on the side.
  • French Toast – buttery and sweet goodness in a whole meal.

Storage Tips

  • At room temperature: Eat the Plantain Porridge within two hours to best enjoy the flavors.
sweet plantain porridge prep

make ahead

In the fridge: You can pour the porridge into a container to refrigerate for several days. Heat it in the microwave or on a stovetop. 

To freeze: Pour the porridge over an ice cube tray and let it freeze solid. Then, transfer them into freezer bags to store for several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plantain porridge good for you?

Yes, it is. Just like ripe ones, green and unripe ones are also healthy. Plantain porridge can promote healthy weight loss, heart health, and better brain function! It’s also good for digestion, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

What is plantain porridge made of?

In this recipe, plantain porridge is made of ripe plantains and cinnamon. It’s good to make it from all-natural ingredients to get the full flavors while keeping the dish healthy and organic.

Is plantain porridge good for babies?

Yes, plantain porridge can be good for babies. As long as you get a smooth and runny texture, the porridge will be safe and healthy for your baby.

What is the use of plantain flour?

You can use plantain flour as a thickener for your soups and stews. It can also be used to coat meat and fish for deep frying. It’s also good for baking!

sweet plantain porridge recipe

Sweet Plantain Porridge

5 from 2 votes
You can never go wrong with a creamy, healthy, and smooth bowl of Sweet Plantain Porridge. It is absolutely easy to make and even more enjoyable to consume!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Course Baby Food
Cuisine African, Caribbean
Calories 5kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 plantain (large)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring water to a boil.
    Add water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
    2 cups water
  • Prepare the plantain.
    Peel the plantain and slice it into small pieces to cook it faster. You may also remove the seeds if preferred.
    1 plantain
  • Steam the plantain.
    Place the steaming basket in the pot and distribute the plantains evenly. Let it cook for at least 10 minutes or until tender. Set it aside to cool.
  • Blend them.
    First, add water, depending on how thick you want it to be. You can use a fresh batch or the one from steamed plantain.
    Then, add the fruits and blend until smooth.
    Incorporate the cinnamon or other seasoning of your choice.
    1 tsp cinnamon

Video

Notes

  • If you don’t have a steaming basket, pop the plantains in the microwave or boil them instead.
  • Consume it within 2 hours for the best quality.
  • Babies can have this as early as six months of age.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gSaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 24mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword easy plantain porridge, healthy plantain porridge, homemade plantain porridge, quick plantain porridge, vegan plantain porridge

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Comments

    1. Thank you so much Maria for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment.
      Yes, you can blend the plantain and bring it to a boil on low heat. Ensure to stir the plantain puree at regular intervals as it cooks to prevent it from burning.
      Thank you

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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