How to Make a Sumptuous Plantain Porridge

 

                     Photo credit: Google

By Olarinre Gloria Oluwasemiloore

Plantain porridge, is a popular Nigerian dish made with plantain, pepper, and spices. This great meal is loved across all tribes and it’s a food that everyone resonates with. The plantain is the main deal and it is cooked till it is soft and can easily be broken down Here's a simple recipe to prepare a delicious plantain porridge:

INGREDIENTS 

- Depending on the number of people, 2-3 bunches of plantain are needed to be peeled and diced

- 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers (or scotch bonnet powder), chopped or crushed

- 3 onion, chopped (if you love onions)

- 1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)

- Ginger and Garlic (if you have preference for them)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2-3 tablespoons palm oil

- 2 cups water or stock

- Optional: fish, meat, or snails for added protein

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE PLANTAIN PORRIDGE 

1. Prepare the plantain: Peel and dice the yams into small pieces and rinse them in water to remove excess starch in the yam

2. Blend the peppers: Blend the Scotch bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste.

3. Heat palm oil and sauté: Heat palm oil in a pot and sauté the blended pepper paste until it is well cooked.

4. Add plantain and water/stock: Add the diced plantain and water or stock to the pot, then stir it well to combine.

5. Cook the plantain: Cook the plantain mixture over medium heat and stir it occasionally, until the plantain is tender and the porridge has thickened.

6. Season and adjust: Add salt, pepper, and ground crayfish (if using) to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Add protein (optional): If using, add fish, snails  meat, or eggs to the porridge and cook until they're fully incorporated.

8. Serve: Serve the plantain porridge hot, garnished with vegetables if preferred.

 

 

TIPS ON HOW TO GET A GOOD RESULT WHILST COOKING

- Use your preferred kind of plantain in order to get a sweet able flavour 

- Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste.

- Add other ingredients like spinach or leafy greens for added nutrition.

- Serve with a side of protein like fish or meat for a filling meal.

 

Some people prefer the green plantains which indicates that it’s still unripe, others prefer the yellow plantains which indicates that the plantain has ripened 

- Spicy plantain porridge: Add some more scotch bonnet peppers or use hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

- Smoky plantain porridge: Add smoked fish or meat for a smoky flavor.

- Vegetarian plantain porridge: Omit meat and fish, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

- Plantain porridge with eggs: Add beaten eggs to the porridge for added protein and creaminess.