Plantain Porridge
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
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 4 pcsgreen plantain, peeled and sliced into 1-inch (2.5 cm) 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
- 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
Store leftover plantain porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen.
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