Jamaican Plantain Porridge Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Jamaican plantain porridge is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this porridge combines ripe plantains with warming spices and creamy coconut milk to create a naturally sweet, velvety texture that will soothe your soul.

Whether you grew up enjoying this classic or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Plantains, often mistaken for bananas, are a staple in Jamaican cooking. When cooked into a porridge, they release a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla.

This recipe is simple, nutritious, and can be made in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for vegan diets.

Get ready to indulge in a bowl of warm, fragrant Jamaican plantain porridge that will energize your mornings and bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican plantain porridge recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store or Caribbean market.

The ripe plantains offer a natural sweetness that eliminates the need for refined sugar, making this dish a healthier option for breakfast.

Second, the spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the porridge, making it perfect for chilly mornings or whenever you need a comforting meal. It’s also easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills, making it accessible to beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Lastly, this porridge is incredibly versatile — you can adjust the thickness, sweetness, and spice levels to suit your preferences. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy plantains in a new and delicious form.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with black spots for sweetness)
• 4 cups water (or a mix of water and coconut milk for creaminess)
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat preferred for richness)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup rolled oats (optional, for a thicker porridge)
• 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (optional, for extra richness)

Equipment

• Medium-sized pot or saucepan
• Knife and cutting board (for peeling and slicing plantains)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smooth texture)
• Bowl and ladle (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the plantains: Peel the ripe plantains by slicing off the ends, making a shallow cut along the ridges of the peel, and then removing it. Cut the plantains into small chunks about 1-inch thick for easier cooking.
2. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the plantain chunks, water, coconut milk, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cook the porridge: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. If using oats, add them now. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
4. Simmer until soft: Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the plantains and oats are very soft and the porridge has thickened to your liking. If you prefer a thinner porridge, add a little more water or coconut milk.
5. Blend for smoothness (optional): For a creamy, smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the porridge directly in the pot, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth but still thick.
6. Add richness: Stir in the butter or coconut oil if desired for extra creaminess and flavor. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices accordingly.
7. Serve warm: Ladle the porridge into bowls and enjoy immediately. Optionally, top with toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

“Using ripe plantains is key — the more brown spots they have, the sweeter your porridge will be!”

• Vegan option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and stick with coconut milk for a fully vegan porridge.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an even more aromatic Caribbean flavor.
• Make it crunchy: Top your porridge with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Use brown sugar alternatives: Try maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar if you want a different type of natural sweetness.
• Oats optional: Adding rolled oats is optional but helps thicken the porridge and adds fiber, making it more filling.
• Make it savory: For a twist, omit the sweeteners and spices, and add a pinch of salt with sautéed onions and thyme for a savory plantain porridge variation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican plantain porridge is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Enjoy it on its own as a warm, filling breakfast or snack.
• Top with fresh fruit such as sliced mango, pineapple, or berries for a tropical twist.
• Add a spoonful of nut butter or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added protein and crunch.
• Pair with a cup of strong Jamaican coffee or spiced tea for an authentic island morning.
• Serve alongside savory dishes like fried dumplings or ackee and saltfish for a complete Jamaican breakfast experience.

Conclusion

Jamaican plantain porridge is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy a comforting snack. With its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and warming spices, it’s no wonder this dish has been a beloved staple in Caribbean households for generations.

The recipe is easy to customize according to your taste and dietary needs, making it a versatile option for everyone.

Whether you’re new to Caribbean cuisine or looking to bring a taste of Jamaica into your kitchen, this plantain porridge recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to explore other flavorful recipes on our site like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to keep your culinary adventures exciting and diverse.

Give this Jamaican plantain porridge recipe a try today and enjoy a bowl of tropical warmth and comfort!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Jamaican Plantain Porridge”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A comforting and creamy porridge made from ripe plantains and coconut milk, flavored with spices. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 ripe plantains, peeled and chopped”, “2 cups coconut milk”, “2 cups water”, “1/2 cup brown sugar”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 cup evaporated milk (optional)”, “1 tablespoon butter”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine chopped plantains, coconut milk, and water in a pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until plantains are soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash some of the plantains to thicken the porridge.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vanilla extract, butter, and evaporated milk if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “2 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “42 g”}}