A traditional wholesome and hearty breakfast called Jamaican Green Banana porridge. This Caribbean breakfast bowl is totally vegan and will keep you content until lunch time. Made with unripe bananas or you can even use green plantain, use a blender or grate it - the choice is yours!!

This porridge is a favourite breakfast for many Jamaicans because it is packed with essential minerals and vitamins that not only sustain energy levels but help yield a long lasting fuller feeling.

For those of you who aren't in the loop regarding green bananas do not fret as I am more than willing to share what knowledge I have about green bananas and hopefully convince you to give this recipe a try.

What is green banana porridge?

In short it's a porridge, a delicious breakfast made from unripened bananas, water, coconut milk, spices, vanilla and condensed milk .

Some Caribbean islands for example St Lucia, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago refer to green bananas as "figs".

This same porridge can also be made using green plantain as well. It's really a matter of preference and availability.

Keep in mind this recipe is totally vegan, I used coconut milk - full fat or homemade that's emulsified to get that creaminess and condensed coconut milk to replicate the Caribbean people's love for conventional condensed milk.

Also, you can make this recipe with a green plantain if you wish.

Two versions of green banana porridge - smooth and coarse

I totally forgot to mention that there are actually two versions of green banana porridge.

The smooth pureed texture has actually evolved from the coarse texture since there were no blenders to puree the bananas in my grandmothers youth.

The old fashioned way calls of the green banana to be grated rather than pureed into a smooth consistency.

I actually prefer the coarse texture porridge since that is what I grew up on in my youth

How to make the old school method (Grated version, see the video)

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan (add the cinnamon sticks now if you are using them)
Peel each green banana (you may place them in a bowl of salted water after peeling to stop them from turning brown).
Use the side of a grater with the medium size holes to grate each banana.
Add the banana mix to the boiling water and stir immediately until fully combined
Allow the banana mix to cook for 5 minutes on medium heat
Stir in the coconut milk, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the coconut condensed milk, nutmeg, vanilla and pink salt.

How to make green banana porridge (Blender version)

Cut the ends off the green banana and make incisions ready to remove the peel

Cut the banana into slices and place in a bowl

Transfer the green banana with the water into a blender and puree

Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the spices

Stir in the condensed coconut milk and stir until it becomes thick and lump free

Can green bananas be eaten raw?

Unlike the ripened crop, green bananas aren't eaten in their raw form, instead we boil or fry them, then add them to stews, eat them alone or make porridge. It all depends on ones cultural custom.

Do you have any other recipes with green banana?

Yes, you can follow this Boiled Green Banana tutorial or this side dish of Green Banana Mash

Is green plantain porridge the same as green banana porridge?

Yes, some people prefer to make this savoury dish with green plantain instead. The results are the same only using a different type of fruit.

Notes and Tips

A green plantain or green bananas can be used to make this recipe.
If using the blender version make sure to use a high powered blender to lessen the chances of any lumps.
I do not recommend using freezing any leftover porridge.
Ripe bananas CANNOT replicate this recipe at all.
Green banana/plantain can be purchased with any Caribbean/Caribbean/latino market. If you don't live in a country/neighbourhood with this demographic then you probably won't be able to source any.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Make sure the banana/plantain are a HIGH green hue, they should be very bright and off yellow.

More porridge recipes

Don't forgot to make the vegan condensed milk for this recipe. Also, if you like porridge, don't forgot to try the following recipes: -

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