Make this amazing Nigerian plantain porridge that’s packed with energy and flavour! This hearty one-pot meal combines sweet and unripe plantains with meat and fish for a complete, filling dish. Perfect comfort food that gives you strength and keeps you satisfied.

What You Need

Main Items:

• 5 unripe plantains (green ones)
• 3 ripe plantains (yellow/soft ones)
• 200g goat meat (or beef)
• 3 pieces dried fish
• 70g fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups water

Flavour Makers:

• 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
• 1 tablespoon dry pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons palm oil
• 1 stock cube
• Salt to taste

Simple Steps

First: Start the Plantains (15 minutes)

1. Prep plantains: Peel both types and cut into chunks
2. Boil unripe first: Put green plantains in pot with boiling water
3. Cook: Leave for 8 minutes until getting soft
4. Add ripe: Put in yellow plantains, cook 5 more minutes
5. Check: Both should be tender when poked with fork

Next: Add Proteins and Spices (15 minutes)

1. Add everything: Put in goat meat, dried fish, stock cube, salt, curry, pepper, and crayfish
2. Stir well: Mix everything together
3. Boil: Cook for 10 minutes until meat is tender
4. Mash some: Use wooden spoon to mash some plantains (makes it thick)

Finally: Finish Strong (10 minutes)

1. Heat palm oil: Warm oil in small pan until clear
2. Add to pot: Pour hot oil into the porridge
3. Add greens: Put in chopped spinach
4. Final cook: Stir and boil for 5 more minutes
5. Serve hot: Enjoy while steaming

Smart Tips

Mix of plantains: Unripe gives texture, ripe adds sweetness Mash carefully: Only mash some – you want chunks too Hot palm oil: Heating it first makes it taste better Check meat: Make sure goat meat is tender before finishing

Why This Works

This plantain porridge is called “power food” because:

• High energy: Plantains give long-lasting fuel
• Complete protein: Meat and fish for strength
• Iron rich: Especially with palm oil and leafy greens
• Filling: Keeps you satisfied for hours

Make It Your Way

Different meat: Use beef, chicken, or just fish Extra vegetables: Add bell peppers or okra Spice level: Adjust dry pepper to your taste Thicker: Mash more plantains for porridge-like texture Thinner: Add more water for soup consistency

Perfect Any Time

• Breakfast: Gives energy for the whole day
• Lunch: Filling and satisfying
• Dinner: Comforting after work
• Weekend: Great for family cooking

Cultural Note

This dish is loved across West Africa and Jamaica! It’s known as “Owo” in some Nigerian regions and called “wicked” (meaning amazing) by Jamaicans. Traditionally eaten by workers for strength and energy.

Keep Fresh

Best hot: Serve immediately while steaming Store: In fridge for up to 3 days Reheat: Add little water and warm gently Gets thicker: Normal – just add water when reheating

Total Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 4-6 people | Level: Easy