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Vegetarian, Africa and overseas

Plantain porridge with spinach

Plantain porridge with spinach is a Nigerian dish for 4 people, ready in 40 minutes, easy to make, for €2.20 per serving. Ripe plantains simmer in a tomato and bell pepper sauce spiced with chili, then spinach wilts into the mix. The key is lightly mashing a few plantain cubes at the end to get that creamy, porridge like texture.

Tonight, a mild and spicy dish from Nigeria, plantains simmered in tomato sauce with spinach, perfect for cooler days.

Plantain porridge with spinach
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.20
Calories per person
560 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

This dish pairs the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with a tomato sauce spiced up by chili and red bell pepper. Spinach adds a fresh green note that balances everything out, while the plantains, half soft half mashed, create that comforting porridge texture, somewhere between a mash and a stew, that really fills you up.

It's an ideal weeknight dinner in fall and winter, when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Kids tend to like it thanks to the natural sweetness of the plantains, and it works just as well for a weekday meal as for surprising guests with a flavor that's different from the usual.

The ingredients

4 people

Fruits and vegetables

  • ripe plantains 5
  • fresh spinach 400 g
  • tomatoes 3
  • onion 1
  • red bell pepper 1
  • fresh chili pepper 1

Pantry

  • palm oil or peanut oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

The step by step recipe

  1. Peel the plantains and cut them into large chunks. 5 min

    Slit the peel lengthwise with a knife, it comes off in one go.

  2. Blend the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and chili pepper. 5 min

    A bit of grated ginger in the blender adds a nice kick.

  3. Heat the oil, pour in the puree, and cook until it thickens. 12 min

    When the oil rises to the surface, the base is ready.

  4. Add the plantains and a bit of hot water, cover, and let simmer. 15 min

    Don't stir too much, or the chunks will fall apart.

  5. Stir in the spinach, let it wilt, then lightly mash a few plantain pieces and serve. 5 min

    The mashed plantains give it that creamy, porridge like body.

Our tips to get it right

  • Taste the tomato sauce before adding the plantains, that's your moment to adjust salt and chili to your liking.
  • If you're using palm oil, add it gradually, it has a strong flavor that can quickly take over the dish.
  • Let the porridge rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving, it thickens a bit more and the flavors settle together.

The variations

  • Swap fresh chili for chili powder if you don't have any on hand, adding it gradually to taste.
  • For a milder version for kids, remove the chili seeds or skip the chili entirely and add just a touch of black pepper.
  • Add cooked black eyed peas or kidney beans along with the plantains for a heartier, more filling meal.

What to serve it with

  • Smoked or grilled fish on the side
  • A fresh ginger drink
  • Avocado wedges alongside

Storage

The porridge keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, in individual portions. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water to bring back the right texture.

Questions about this dish

Can you use plantains that aren't fully ripe?

You can, but the porridge will be less sweet and the cubes will take longer to soften. Deep yellow plantains with black spots give the best result for this recipe.

Can you replace palm oil with another oil?

Yes, peanut oil works well and gives a more neutral flavor. Palm oil adds an orange color and a flavor closer to the traditional dish.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tomato sauce the day before and keep it in the fridge. Add the plantains and spinach just before serving to keep a good texture.

Can you use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, use about 300g of frozen spinach, thawed and well drained. Add it the same way at the end of cooking.

How long does it take to make a plantain porridge with spinach?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a plantain porridge with spinach?

About 560 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a plantain porridge with spinach cost?

About €2.20 per serving, or €8.80 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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