Simply the Best Haitian Plantain Porridge – How to Make Labouyi Bann

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Porridge is one of the most common breakfast items in the Caribbean. Cornmeal Porridge is most common, but on some islands you may also find Plantain Porridge. There are two ways to make plantain porridge – either from the fresh plantain or from plantain flour, which is readily available in the Caribbean and in Caribbean markets here in America.

Some people eat porridge daily in the Caribbean. The only thing that varies is the type of porridge.

Not to say we don’t eat oatmeal and cream of wheat just like they do here in America, but cornmeal, cassava and plantain are the most popular types of porridge in the Caribbean.

However, you might be wondering – Is there anything wrong with eating porridge for breakfast every day – Is it enough Protein?

Since porridge in the Caribbean is made with evaporated milk, there is definitely enough protein in porridge. Evaporated milk has twice the amount of protein than does regular milk. There is about 9 grams of protein in ½ cup of evaporated milk.

Today’s Labouyi Bannann is Haitian Plantain Porridge made from fresh plantains. When it is made from plantain flour, we call it Labouyi Farine.

Plantains are such a versatile fruit as seen by the many Plantain Recipes posted here. Let’s check out just a few…

• Kai Pola – Indian Gluten Free Plantain Cake
• Kelewele – Ghanian Style Fried Sweet Plantain
• Banane Peze – Haitian Double Fried Green Plantain

…but before we get started on today’s porridge, I know cooking with plantains is not a regular thing for many people.

For a little more information, you might want to check out my post all about plantain, especially it shows you How to Select Plantains, When is Plantain Ripe and if you need guidance, How to Peel Plantains (it can be a little challenging to peel raw green plantains). So check out this post that give you the low down on all the Plantain Information you will need.

But just to clarify plantains are not the same as bananas, although they may look similar. First of all – Have you eaten a raw plantain. Did you enjoy it?

I hear you all saying a resounding NO. Raw green plantains are unpalatable, though they are not toxic like if you eat raw cassava.

But why should you eat more plantain?

Because it’s a nutrient rich carb!

Green plantains are a good source of resistant starch, a type of dietary fiber that helps you feel full and doesn’t raise your blood sugar. It feeds the good bacteria, making plantain good for gut health.

Plantains are high in potassium and Vitamin A, as well as carbs.

It’s a good vegetable to feed kids who are involved in sports, for a natural energy source. This is why it is very common in tropical places, where much of the population does hard, manual labor. Places like the Caribbean, Central America, Asia & Africa…it’s hard work working in sugarcane fields and this natural energy source keeps them going. With plantains and carrots, this is definitely a healthy Plantain Porridge to start your day with.

Now let’s get to making this delicious healthy breakfast that is as delicious as it is healthy.

• plantain
• carrot
• cinnamon stick
• star anise
• evaporated milk
• coconut milk
• vanilla extract
• firmly brown sugar
• freshly grated nutmeg (optional garnish)

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• Peel the vegetables and cut them into smaller pieces.

• Puree the plantain and the carrots in the blender with water.

• Next we boil the water with the spices so the spice flavors can infuse the liquid.
• We then add the milks and the plantain puree.

• Simmer this until the plantains are cooked and the porridge is thick and creamy, about 10-15 minutes.
• Add vanilla and sugar, to taste.
• To serve, garnish with optional freshly grated nutmeg.

This healthy plant based Haitian breakfast is a delicious and filling way to start the day. You can easily Make it Vegan if you prefer by making it with all coconut milk or other non dairy milks.

Need more culinary inspiration? Check out the Recipe Index with over 1500 Recipes from Around the World with lots of Vegetarian 🥕🍆🍅and Gluten Free Recipes!