Jamaican Green Banana Porridge is regularly served for breakfast in Jamaica, especially in rural areas where bananas are plentiful are easy to obtain. Once you try green Jamaican banana porridge you’ll see for yourself why it’s such a well-loved breakfast dish as it not only tastes totally delicious it is super nutritious and filling too.
Green banana porridge is usually made with locally grown Jamaican ingredients, such as bananas, coconut (milk), cinnamon, nutmeg, and cane sugar, which are all grown in the rich and fertile soil of Jamaica. These home-grown ingredients give this dish its authentic Jamaican flavor and make it incredibly flavorsome and satisfying to eat as they are usually organic and bursting with that ‘just picked’ flavor.
Easily made with simple ingredients, the addition of coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla takes this dish to the next level and gives Green Banana Porridge its authentic Jamaican flavor.
Although Green Banana Porridge may not always be available at Jamaican hotels it can be enjoyed when venturing out into the local area as it’s often available from Jamaican restaurants (cook shops) and from street vendors who will make a huge pot and sell it right through the day until sold out.
Nutritional Value of Green Banana Porridge
Green bananas have lots of health benefits as they are loaded with carbohydrates, dietary fiber, essential minerals, and vitamins, but they are low in sugar and fat. This makes Jamaican green banana porridge especially good for persons who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Keep reading below for FAQs about the benefits of eating green banana porridge.
What Does Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Taste Like?
Green Bananas are unripe bananas, so they aren’t sweet like ripe yellow bananas although they are perfectly edible. When using the old-school grater method of preparing the green banana the porridge has a much coarser mouth feel than the smooth result you get through blending the bananas before adding them to the pot.
But whichever method you use to prepare Jamaican green banana porridge you will get a thick, creamy, slighly sweet porridge that is taken to the next level of satisfaction with the addition of vanilla, coconut milk, and spicy cinnamon and nutmeg.
Jamaican Green Banana porridge can be served hot or cold and is delicious topped with sliced or diced fruits, nuts, and a little nut butter. Or why not serve the traditional Jamaican way with a slice or two of buttered bread or crackers.
Quick Tips On Making Perfect Green Banana Porridge
If you are having problems getting the perfect consistency of your Jamaican Green Banana Porridge follow these easy instructions for getting it back on track and ready to enjoy!
My Green Banana Porridge Is Too Thick?
If your green banana porridge becomes too thick you can always add some cold water or milk to loosen the porridge whilst stirring it on a low simmer. Continue stirring until the extra liquid is fully incorporated and if cooked through, take off the heat as it will re-thicken if left to dry out on the stove.
My Green Banana Porridge Is Too Runny and Thin?
If your green banana porridge is too thin you can always add some blended oats (oatmeal) to the porridge whilst stirring it on a low simmer. Continue stirring until the oats are fully incorporated and cooked through, then take off the heat.
How Do I Get Rid Of Lumps In Green Banana Porridge?
If you have any lumps in your green banana porridge you can try to disperse them by crushing them with the back of a spoon on the inside of the pot. Once crushed stir the green banana porridge thoroughly until they are fully incorporated.
Add a little milk or water to loosen the green banana porridge if necessary.
We have 4 Amazing Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipes for you to try that will suit all eating habits and lifestyles. Whether you want the authentic, traditional, Vegan, or healthy version of this delicious recipe you will be sure to find something you will love!
Traditional Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe
This recipe for Jamaican green banana porridge calls for grated bananas and is an ideal recipe to follow if you don’t have a blender to hand.
This version of Jamaican green banana porridge uses green bananas and oatmeal as a thickener.
Try this recipe for Traditional Jamaican Green Banana Porridge here…
Vegan Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe
This recipe for a Vegan and gluten-free (GF) Jamaican Green Banana Porridge is totally delicious.
The cool thing about this recipe is there are two versions, the old school way – which uses grated banana which yields a coarser thicker porridge, and the blended banana version, which makes for a super smooth consistency.
To enjoy this Vegan and GF Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe click here…
Healthy Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe
If you love Jamaican Green Banana Porridge but you are watching your fat and sugar intake then this recipe will be right up your street!
This recipe for Jamaican Green Banana Porridge calls for coconut milk with no added condensed milk, and it can be sweetened with coconut sugar or stevia, which reduces sugar spikes.
Check out this recipe for Healthy Green Banana Porridge Recipe…
Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe
This authentic green banana porridge recipe by Chef Ricardo makes use of a blender for a smooth and creamy texture and taste.
If you are looking for a recipe with measurements, ingredients, and a full method, try one of the other tutorials we have featured above, as this video is for illustrative purposes only!
FAQ About Jamaican Green Banana Porridge
If you are thinking about making Jamaican green banana porridge check out these FAQs and nutritional facts about who this recipe is ideal for and learn how you can substitute certain ingredients to make it suitable for all eating lifestyles.
Is Green Banana Porridge Vegan?
Green Banana porridge is traditionally made with a mix of coconut water, milk, and/or condensed milk, which makes it suitable for Vegetarians but not Vegans as these products contain cow’s milk.
However, by simply swapping out the cow’s milk for your preferred version of plant-based milk and/or adding some plant-based condensed milk you can totally enjoy this delicious and nutritious Jamaican breakfast porridge too.
If you want to try making a Veganized version of this dish check out the Vegan Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe above…
Is Green Banana Porridge Alkaline or Acidic?
Green bananas have a pH of 6.5 – 6.7, which makes them slightly acidic. However, the riper the bananas become the more alkaline or neutral they become on the pH scale.
Is Green Banana Porridge Gluten and Wheat Free?
Jamaican green banana porridge is naturally gluten and wheat free as it is made mainly made from bananas. Check what has been used to thicken the green banana porridge as flour is sometimes used, although oats (go for gluten-free oats if necessary) are more popular thickeners.
Is Green Banana Porridge Good For High Blood Pressure?
Boiled green bananas have an awesome 531mg of potassium per cup serving. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, which means that it lowers the tension in the arteries and blood vessels ensuring that blood pressure levels are in check and heart attacks are kept at bay.
Green bananas are a rich source of resistant starch that helps keep cholesterol in check. Low cholesterol levels are linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular health.
If you want to enjoy Jamaican green banana porridge swap the cow’s milk / condensed milk, for almond (or other plant-based) milk, and go easy on the amount of sugar and salt that you add to the porridge. Why not try adding more cinnamon to the recipe instead, which is said to be a ‘false’ sweetener.
Can Diabetics Eat Green Banana Porridge?
Diabetics can eat Jamaican green banana porridge as unripe green bananas rank low on the glycemic index, with a value between 30 and 50.
Additionally, green bananas contain pectin and resistant starch which may help control blood sugar after meals, and vitamin B6 which helps control glucose, especially in people with type-2 diabetes.
If you want to enjoy Jamaican green banana porridge swap the cow’s milk / condensed milk, for almond (or other plant-based) milk and add coconut sugar, or stevia to sweeten. Or why not try adding more cinnamon to the recipe instead, which is said to be a ‘false’ sweetener.
If you want to try making a healthier version of this dish check out the Healthy Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Recipe above…
Is Jamaican Green Banana Porridge Healthy?
Green bananas are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that the body needs for so many different functions it’s a wonder they aren’t considered a superfood!
Unlike ripe bananas, green bananas are made up of 70-80% resistant starch, which is classed as dietary fiber, as the small intestines cannot digest it. The cool thing about the high levels of resistant starch and the pectin in green bananas is that they feed the friendly bacteria in your gut and keep everything happy and working effectively down there!
Green bananas contain short-chain fatty acids which enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and can improve the health of your colon. Plus, green bananas are antibacterial and antifungal, which means that eating them helps fight off germs causing infection.
The high levels of potassium in green bananas play an essential role in proper kidney function, blood purification, nerve function, muscle movement, and regulating blood pressure.
These recipes have beauty-boosting properties too, as green bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and B6, which along with the natural oils present in bananas help to prevent hair breakage and maintain the natural elasticity of the skin and hair.
Is Green Banana Porridge An Allergen?
Yes! Bananas contain a type of latex that cause an allergic reaction in some persons. Check if anyone in your party is allergic or sensitive to latex before serving Green Banana Porridge to anyone.
Can Babies Eat Green Banana Porridge?
Yes! Green Banana Porridge can be offered to babies from weaning onto solid foods as they are packed full of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Green bananas can also be eaten throughout pregnancy, as they give you energy during this phase due to the high levels of carbohydrates, whilst providing a boost to hemoglobin levels.
The Benefits of Green Banana Porridge
Green bananas are rich in carbohydrates and potassium which assist your body in lowering cholesterol levels in your body, which is also great for the health of your heart.
Green Bananas are low in glycemic (low GI) which helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels which makes them an ideal food for reducing the risk of diabetes.
Are Green Bananas A Source Of Fiber?
Green bananas have a high amount of resistant starch in them, which is classed as dietary fiber and helps prevent issues like bloating and constipation. As this cannot be digested by the intestines it does play an essential role in feeding the friendly bacteria in the gut which boosts the functioning of the digestive tract.
Are Green Bananas A Source Of Carbohydrates?
Green bananas are a great source of carbohydrates as they are loaded with essential nutrients and minerals that optimize the metabolism by providing the body with a complex carbohydrate base.
Are Green Bananas A Source of Protein?
No green bananas are not high in protein but they have many other amazing health benefits.
