How To Make Unripe Plantain Porridge(Nigerian Style)
When most people think of plantain, their minds quickly go to fried ripe plantain, the golden, crispy side dish loved across Nigeria. But plantain is more than just something to fry. It can be transformed into hearty meals that are both nourishing and satisfying. One of the most popular of these is Unripe Plantain Porridge.
This dish is made by cooking sliced green plantains with fish, crayfish, palm oil, pepper, and vegetables until it forms a rich, saucy porridge.
Unlike jollof rice that cooks until dry, Unripe Plantain Porridge is best enjoyed moist; soft enough to soak in flavor, yet not watery. Every spoonful delivers the taste of home and the comfort of tradition.
Recipe For Unripe Plantain Porridge
Ingredients
- 6 fingers of unripe plantain (peeled and sliced)
- 3 cups of water (enough to cover the plantain)
- 2–3 fresh peppers (blended or pounded)
- 2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
- Salt (to taste)
- 1–2 seasoning cubes
- 1 medium ice fish (cleaned)
- 1 handful of dried fish (washed and deboned)
- 3 tablespoons palm oil
- A handful of scent leaves(nchuanwu/efirin) or any other leaves
Method of Preparation
1. Peel and slice the unripe plantains, then place them into a clean pot.
2. Add water, just enough to cover the plantain slices.
3. Place on medium heat and allow to boil.
4. Add pepper, crayfish, salt, and seasoning cubes.
5. Gently add the ice fish and dried fish. Cover and let it cook until the plantain begins to soften.
6. Pour in the palm oil, stir gently, and allow everything to cook together so the flavors blend well.
7. Once the plantain is soft and the porridge has a rich, saucy consistency, add scent leaves or any other leaves you love.
8. Stir, allow to simmer for 2–3 minutes, then bring it down from the fire.
Whether you are looking for a low-cost family meal, a diabetic-friendly dish, or just something new to try beyond fried plantain, unripe plantain porridge is always a smart choice.
Give it a try in your kitchen, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy a hearty, healthy Nigerian delicacy. If You found this helpful, you may also love to see our post on healthy Nigerian Breakfast with 5 ingredients or less.
