Nigerian Ripe Plantain Porridge
This chicken builds ripe plantains, turkey tail pieces and assorted beef, cut into chunks into a hearty meal you can have ready in about 70 minutes. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 7 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and large pot. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (5)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Fish
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page β how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Season the turkey tail and assorted beef with salt and half of the chopped onion, then place in a pot with just enough water to cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the meat is tender and cooked through, reserving the cooking stock.
- While the meat cooks, peel the ripe plantains and cut them into thick rounds, and flake the smoked or dried fish, removing any bones.
- In a wide pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat, add the remaining onion and the red onion, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the blended red bell pepper and scotch bonnet and fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the raw smell cooks off and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked turkey tail, beef, flaked fish, and the reserved stock plus extra water if needed, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the plantain rounds, season with salt, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the plantains are soft and have absorbed the flavors, mashing a few lightly to thicken the porridge.
- Stir in the chopped spinach or scent leaves and cook for a final 2 to 3 minutes until just wilted, then taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve hot.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet Β· Large pot Β· Saucepan Β· Blender
Tips & common questions
How long does Nigerian Ripe Plantain Porridge take to make?
About 70 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 7 steps and 12 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Adapted recipe β rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Nigerian Ripe Plantain Porridge is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Plantain Porridge.jpg by Aderiqueza, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure β how we source recipes.