Main CourseDinnerLunch

Plantain Porridge

Name: Plantain Porridge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: nigerian, west_african
Ingredients: 4 pcs green plantain peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds; 1 pcs red bell pepper chopped; 1 pcs scotch bonnet pepper minced (or to taste) (optional); 2 pcs tomato chopped; 1 pcs yellow onion chopped; 2 clove garlic minced; 4 cup vegetable broth; 0.25 cup palm oil; 1 tsp curry powder; 0.5 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 2 cup spinach roughly chopped (optional)

This hearty vegan plantain porridge is a comforting one-pot meal. Green plantains are simmered with vegetables and spices in a rich tomato base, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. It's a staple in many West African homes, offering a unique blend of sweet and savory notes.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 55 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 491 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

4 pcsgreen plantain, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
1 pcsred bell pepper, chopped
1 pcsscotch bonnet pepper, minced (or to taste)(optional)
2 pcstomato, chopped
1 pcsyellow onion, chopped
2 clovegarlic, minced
4 cupvegetable broth
0.25 cuppalm oil
1 tspcurry powder
0.5 tspdried thyme
1 tspsalt
0.5 tspblack pepper
2 cupspinach, roughly chopped(optional)

Equipment

large pot · wooden spoon · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

1
Heat the palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 2 min
2
Add the yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
About 5 min
3
Stir in the garlic, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your preferred spice level.
4
Add the chopped tomato, curry powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
About 7 min
5
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
About 3 min
6
Carefully add the sliced green plantain to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
About 2 min
7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plantains are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Stir gently a couple of times during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8
If using, stir in the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
About 3 min
9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10
Serve hot.

Per serving

Nutrition

68%Score

Calories: 490.7kcal
Protein: 6.4g
Carbs: 93.1g
Fat: 15.5g
Fibre: 8.8g
Sugar: 43.4g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover plantain porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen.