Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge is a well-loved staple breakfast dish in Jamaican households, which is super nutritious, easy to make, and tastes so delicious. Once you try Jamaican green plantain porridge you’ll see for yourself why it’s such a well-loved breakfast dish that you have to try for yourself.
Like its cousin Jamaican Green Banana Porridge, green plantain porridge is regularly served for breakfast in Jamaica, especially in rural areas where plantains are plentiful are easy to obtain. Both types of porridge are interchangeably cooked dependent on what is to hand on the day.
Green plantain porridge is usually made with locally grown Jamaican ingredients, such as plantains, 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.
Although Green Plantain 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 Plantain Porridge
Plantains are a powerhouse of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and are more nutritious than bananas. Plantains contain around 32g of complex carbohydrates per 100g serving, which mainly comes from starch and a high level of potassium which has a myriad of benefits to bodily functions.
Green plantains 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 plantain 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 plantain porridge.
What Does Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge Taste Like?
Green plantains are unripe plantains, so they aren’t sweet like ripe yellow plantains, but they lose their bitter taste when cooked. When using the old-school grater method of preparing the green plantain the porridge has a much coarser mouth feel than the smooth result you get through blending the plantains before adding them to the pot.
But whichever method you use to prepare Jamaican green plantain porridge you will get a thick, creamy, slightly sweet porridge that is taken to the next level of satisfaction with the addition of vanilla, coconut milk, and spicy cinnamon and nutmeg. Many people prefer green plantain porridge to green banana porridge as it is said to have ‘more body’ to the taste and texture.
Jamaican Green Plantain 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 Plantain Porridge
If you are having problems getting the perfect consistency of your Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge follow these easy instructions for getting it back on track and ready to enjoy!
My Green Plantain Porridge Is Too Thick?
If your green plantain 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 Plantain Porridge Is Too Runny and Thin?
If your green plantain 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 Plantain Porridge?
If you have any lumps in your green plantain 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 plantain porridge thoroughly until they are fully incorporated.
Add a little milk or water to loosen the green plantain porridge if necessary.
We have 4 Amazing Jamaican Green Plantain 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 Plantain Porridge Recipe
This recipe for Jamaican green plantain porridge is easy to follow and creates a beautiful smooth result as the plantains are blended first before adding to the pot.
This version of Jamaican green plantain porridge uses green plantains and oatmeal as a thickener.
Try this recipe for Traditional Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge here…
Vegan Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge Recipe
This recipe for a Vegan and gluten-free (GF) Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge is totally delicious and will evoke memories of a childhood spent in the Caribbean.
This method of making Green plantain porridge uses plant-based condensed to sweeten it, which you can try making for yourself too!
To enjoy this Vegan and GF Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge Recipe click here…
Gluten-Free Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge Recipe
If you love Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge but are avoiding gluten this recipe will be right up your street as there are no added thickeners in this recipe.
This recipe for Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge calls for coconut milk and condensed milk, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to give that authentic Jamaican flavor.
Check out this recipe for Gluten-Free Green Plantain Porridge Recipe…
Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge Recipe
This authentic green plantain porridge recipe makes use of a blender for a smooth and creamy texture and gives details of how to select the perfect plantains for the task.
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 Plantain Porridge
If you are thinking about making Jamaican green plantain 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 Plantain Porridge Vegan?
Green plantain 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 Plantain Porridge Recipe above…
Is Green Plantain Porridge Alkaline or Acidic?
Green plantains have a pH of up to 6.8, which makes them slightly acidic. However, the riper the plantains become the more alkaline or neutral they become on the pH scale.
Is Green Plantain Porridge Gluten and Wheat Free?
Jamaican green plantain porridge is naturally gluten and wheat free as it is made mainly made from plantains. Check what has been used to thicken the green plantain porridge as flour is sometimes used, although oats (go for gluten-free oats if necessary) are more popular thickeners.
Is Green Plantain Porridge Good For High Blood Pressure?
Did you know that boiled green plantain has more potassium per cup serving than bananas? 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 plantains are a also 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 plantain 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 Plantain Porridge?
Diabetics can eat Jamaican green plantain porridge as unripe green plantains rank low on the glycemic index, with a value in the 40s.
Additionally, green plantains 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 plantain 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 Plantain Porridge Recipe above…
Is Jamaican Green Plantain Porridge Healthy?
Green plantains 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 plantains, green plantains are made up of over 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 plantains is that they feed the friendly bacteria in your gut and keep everything happy and working effectively down there!
Green plantains contain short-chain fatty acids which enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and can improve the health of your colon. Plus, green plantains are antibacterial and antifungal, which means that eating them helps fight off germs causing infection.
The high levels of potassium in green plantains 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 plantains 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 Plantain Porridge An Allergen?
Yes! Plantains and bananas contain a protein which is a type of latex that can cause an allergic reaction in some persons. There is less chance of an allergic reaction with plantain as the peel is discarded and they are usually cooked before eating.
Check if anyone in your party is allergic or sensitive to latex before serving Green Plantain Porridge to anyone.
Can Babies Eat Green Plantain Porridge?
Yes! Green Plantain Porridge can be offered to babies from weaning onto solid foods as they are packed full of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
The Benefits of Green Plantain Porridge
Green plantains 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 plantains 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.
Is Green Plantain Porridge A Source Of Fiber?
Green plantains 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.
Is Green Plantain Porridge A Source Of Carbohydrates?
Green Plantains 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.
Is Green Plantain Porridge A Source of Protein?
No green plantains are not high in protein but they have many other amazing health benefits.
