Hey loves! Welcome back to my kitchen, where I share daily recipes from my life as a young lady navigating the world of cooking. Today, I’m super excited to share a viral recipe that’s been making waves on social media—Spicy Nigerian Plantain Porridge! ️ This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for those fasting during Ramadan. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and can be prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re breaking your fast or just craving something hearty, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices, peppers, and ripe plantains creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both sweet and spicy.
- Perfect for Ramadan: You can make it ahead of time and reheat it before breaking your fast. It’s filling and nutritious!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can nail this recipe.
- Versatile: You can tweak the spice level to suit your taste.
Grocery List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious porridge:
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
- 1 cup palm oil (or substitute with vegetable oil)
- 1 medium-sized onion (chopped)
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo, blended or finely chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (optional, blended)
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 1 smoked fish (mackerel or catfish, deboned and shredded)
- 1 cup shredded stockfish (optional)
- 1 cup chopped spinach or ugu (pumpkin leaves)
- 2-3 cups vegetable or chicken stock (or water)
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt to taste
Cooking Utensils
Here are the tools you’ll need:
- A medium-sized pot
- A wooden spoon
- A blender (for peppers)
- A knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Psst! If you need any of these utensils, check out the link in my bio to shop my Amazon store. I get a small commission from each sale, which helps me keep creating content for you all. Thank you for supporting me!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prepare the Plantains:
Peel the plantains and cut them into small chunks. Set aside. - Heat the Palm Oil:
In a medium-sized pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat it. - Sauté the Onions:
Add the chopped onions to the oil and sauté until they become translucent. - Add the Peppers:
Stir in the blended scotch bonnet peppers and red bell pepper (if using). Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. - Season the Base:
Add the ground crayfish, curry powder, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and seasoning cubes. Stir well to combine. - Add the Fish:
Toss in the shredded smoked fish and stockfish (if using). Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Add the Plantains:
Gently add the plantain chunks to the pot. Stir carefully to coat them with the spicy mixture. - Pour in the Stock:
Add the vegetable or chicken stock (or water) until the plantains are almost covered. Stir gently, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. - Add the Greens:
Once the plantains are tender, add the chopped spinach or ugu. Stir and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste and adjust the salt and seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker porridge, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. - Serve Hot:
Your spicy plantain porridge is ready! Serve hot and enjoy with a chilled drink.
Useful Tips & Notes
- Ripe Plantains: The riper the plantains, the sweeter the porridge. If you prefer a less sweet dish, use semi-ripe plantains.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers to suit your heat tolerance.
- Storage: This porridge can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have palm oil, you can use vegetable oil. For a vegetarian version, skip the fish and use mushrooms or tofu.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 10g
- Fats: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium from the plantains and greens.
Final Thoughts
This spicy Nigerian plantain porridge is a must-try! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re fasting, hosting friends, or just cooking for yourself, this recipe will leave you satisfied. Don’t forget to tag me if you try it out—I’d love to see your creations!
And hey, if you need any cooking utensils, check out the link in my bio to shop my Amazon store. Your support means the world to me!
Until next time, happy cooking! ✨
Love,
thatsexcoachlovesfood
