HOW TO PREPARE THE BEST BEANS AND PLANTAIN PORRIDGE

Beans and plantain porridge is a delicious dish that is easy to make and budget-friendly.

Oh my goodness! Whenever I am making this dish, my family gets excited. You will see all of them helping out in the kitchen, getting one item or the other without  even being asked.

When i finish making and serving them, they lick their fingers while eating. it is that good.

This delightful combo is not only packed with flavor but also super easy to make, perfect for meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love Beans and Plantain Porridge

Filling and Comforting: Okay, let’s be real. Beans and plantain porridge isn’t just food,  it’s an experience.

It’s hearty enough to fill you up, yet comforting enough to make you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket. Either breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish fits any meal like a glove.

Nutritious: Not only is this dish delicious, it is also nutritious. Beans are a fantastic source of Protein,  folate, iron  and a good source of  dietary fiber, while plantains bring in vitamins A and C.

So you can feel good about treating yourself. Your body will thank you, and hey, your taste buds will throw a party.

A meal for occasion: Even if  you are cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing a date, beans and plantain porridge can work for you. It’s simple and affordable.

Flexible: you can customize it to fit your tastes. you can try experimenting with different spices or toppings. You could throw in some spring onions for a green twist.

You can add meats, more spices, or keep it vegetarian, it’s totally your call.

Because i’m extra, I like adding meat or dry fish to this recipe. Trust me, anyone you decide to cook with is perfect.

Alright, enough of the stories, let’s get into it.

Ingredients

Before we get cooking, here’s what you will need to whip up the best beans and plantain porridge:

• 2 cups of beans (Black-eyed pea or honey beans work great)
• 2 ripe plantains (the ones that are slightly yellow with some brown spots are perfect)
• water (for boiling)
• onion (finely chopped)
• salt (to taste)
• 1 cup palm oil (or any oil you prefer)
• Habaneroes or Cayenne/ground pepper
• bouillon powder/ knorr cube (or any seasoning cube of your choice)
• 1 tomato (optional)
• Crayfish (optional)
• Dryfish (optional)

Preparation Process

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your mouthwatering beans and plantain porridge.

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

1. Rinse the Beans: Rinse the beans under cold water to remove debris and any preservative agent.

2. Boil Water: Add enough water to submerge the beans fully into your cooking pot and bring to a boil.

3. Boil the Beans: once the water is boiled, add the rinsed beans .

4. Parboil the beans: Let the beans simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until they’re partially cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the plantain and other ingredients

5. Wash plantain: While the beans are cooking, Rinse/wash the plantains under cold water

6. Peel and Slice the Plantains: peel the plantains and cut them into rounds, cubes or any shape of your            choice. You can cut them thick or thin, just don’t cut them too small or they’ll disappear, though that is how i like it.

7. Chop vegetables : Finely chop your onions and pepper and keep aside.

8. Check beans: Check the beans, once it’s half cooked, bring it out of the fire, drain with a colander or                    strainer, rinse under cold water and keep aside.

Step 3: Make it a porridge

9. Boil water and add beans: Add enough water to submerge the beans fully into your cooking pot and bring to a boil. once the water is boiled, add the partially cooked and  rinsed beans.

At this point add washed dry fish if you prefer to use dry fish. Cover and allow cook for another 25-35 mins.

10. Add to the Beans: When the beans are tender, add the red oil, chopped onions and pepper, salt and seasoning cube. if you like to use tomato and crayfish, add it at this point. cover and allow to cook for 10 mins.

Add the plantain slices to the pot, cover and allow to cook for about 10-15 minutes. You want them to be soft but not mushy, though i like mashing a few plantains so it can infuse into the beans and give it that sweet taste.

Once it is done, stir it all together. feel free to adjust salt and seasoning to your taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

11. Garnish: Serve your beans and plantain porridge hot. You can top it up with fried plantain and fish by the side if you like, or any topping of your choice to brighten things up. this is totally optional.

Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so make it pretty.

Frequently asked questions

Can i use a different type of oil? palm oil also known as red oil is the traditional oil used for this dish by Nigerians and many West African households. palm oil enhances its vibrant color and also adds  a unique taste to this dish.

feel free to use any oil cooking oil of your choice but the dish will lose a bit of its traditional flavour and color.

Can i use meat for this dish? Yes you can use meat, fish or any protein of your choice.

How do i serve this dish? You can serve this dish on its own, you can serve it with rice, you can serve it with pap.

How do i store leftovers? You can store  it in a plate with a cover and place it in the fridge or freezer. consume within 3-5 days.

So there you have it! With just a few ingredients and a bit of love, you can prepare the best beans and plantain porridge that will have everyone coming back for more.

Give it a try and experience the warmth and joy that this dish brings. Who knows, it might just become your new favorite comfort food.

Now, roll up your sleeves, grab those beans, and get cooking! And remember, if anyone asks why your beans and plantain porridge looks so good, just say it’s all in the magic of the kitchen.

Happy cooking!

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