How to cook unripe plantain porridge with vegetable

Plantains are a staple food in many countries around the world, especially in West Africa, where they are commonly used in soups, stews, and porridges. Plantains are a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any meal. However, many people tend to overlook unripe plantains, which are usually used for cooking, as they tend to be harder and less sweet than ripe ones. In this blog post, we’ll be showing you how to cook unripe plantain porridge with vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 2 unripe plantains
  • 2 cups of chopped vegetables (spinach, pumpkin leaves, or any leafy green of your choice)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of palm oil or any vegetable oil of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon of ground crayfish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of ground pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups of water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Peel the plantains and chop them into small cubes.
  2. Rinse the chopped vegetables and set aside.
  3. In a medium-sized pot, heat the palm oil or any other vegetable oil of your choice.
  4. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  5. Add the chopped plantains to the pot and stir-fry for a few minutes until the plantains are slightly browned.
  6. Add the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well.
  7. Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and let the plantains cook for about 15-20 minutes or until tender.
  9. Add the chopped vegetables to the pot and stir well.
  10. Cover the pot and let the vegetables cook for about 5 minutes or until tender.
  11. Stir well and serve hot.

Tips

  • If you find the plantains too hard to cut, you can first cut off the ends and make a shallow cut down the length of the plantain skin, then use the tip of the knife to peel off the skin.
  • You can use any leafy green vegetables of your choice, but make sure to chop them finely so they cook faster.
  • You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the porridge to add more flavor and nutrients.
  • If you prefer your porridge to be thicker, you can mash some of the cooked plantains with a fork before adding the vegetables.
  • You can also add some protein like fish or chicken to the porridge for a more filling meal.

In conclusion, unripe plantain porridge with vegetables is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare. By following these simple steps, you can create a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for any time of the day. So the next time you see unripe plantains at the market, don’t hesitate to buy them and try out this recipe. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

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