Labouyi Bannann (Haitian Plantain Porridge) is a sure way to perk up your breakfast routines.
Look no further and entice your morning breakfast with this quick and easy plantain porridge. A Caribbean’s favorite breakfast dish.
This is a well-loved Haitian Breakfastrecipe.
Besides the fact that it is a popular breakfast in Haiti, it is also one of AJ’s favorite meals. Not that it is hard to find him a meal that he likes, but if you want to see the inner child within, this is one of the few that will bring it out.
Prepared in the Vitmaix and blended to perfection, this green plantain porridge is gluten-free and filling.
Typically, Haitian porridge (labouyi bannann) is made over the stovetop, but we are showing you how to enjoy the same great taste and flavor in a fraction of the time.
If you have a Vitamix or a high efficiency blender, you can make this porridge in less than 10 minutes.
What Is Porridge Made Of?
Porridge is made of any grain from oats, corn, rice, and even flour. It is boiled in water or milk until it has a creamy, thick consistency. It is a sweet dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or supper.
Porridge can also be called Hot Cereal – when prepared with oats.
Ingredients Used In This Labouyi bannann Recipe
The full recipe with the exact measurement is listed in the recipe card below. For now, here’s a quick guide of the ingredients you’ll need to make this quick breakfast dish.
Plantain – 1 Green plantain. Do not use the yellow plantain as it will be too mushy. No need to peel the skin. The skin has a lot of fiber and nutrients. This will help you to maximize on the nutrients as much as possible.
1 Large Carrot – Again, no need to peel the carrots. However, be sure to wash it thoroughly.
Lemon Zest – Best to use fresh lemon zest from ½ lemon to amplify the flavor.
Vanilla extract, salt, and sugar – These ingredients will provide flavor to your Haitian Plantain Porridge.
Carnation Milk – To Make it Creamy.
Why a High Efficiency or High-Powered Blender?
This recipe takes less time to make in the blender then it would have taken on the stovetop. It takes about 6 minutes in the Vitamix blender.
But don’t worry, I have also included a stove top version in the recipe instruction below in case you want to make it the old fashion way.
It is creamy, it is thick, it is sweet, and most of all, and it is incredibly delicious.
And yes, it is gluten-free.
How To Make Labouyi Bannanan
Start by gathering the ingredients.
Once you have gathered the ingredients, you’ll have a choice: you can peel the plantains or leave the skin on. I grew up seeing my family leaving the skin on in Haiti.
Slice the carrot and plantain. Be sure to wash them first as they were previously handled by multiple people at the grocery store.
Slice the carrots and plantains. Cut the plantain(s) and carrot(s) in bite-size pieces. Place the pieces in the blender along with all the remaining ingredients
Blend on low to get the blender going, then gradually increase the speed to the highest level. Blend for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The blender will cook the porridge. It will also stop on its own if you forget to turn it off.
Pour the porridge into a cup (if on the go) or bowl to enjoy at home. Enjoy warm with bread (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Depending on where you are from, they are used interchangeably. When you add water or milk to the grain and boil it, it becomes porridge.
Yes, depending on the ingredients that are added, porridge can be a very healthy breakfast to consume at home or while on the go.
Yes, you can use bananas in place of plantains and follow the same steps to make plantain bread, but not porridge. The riper the plantains, the sweeter they will be. However, it does not work in this Haitian labouyi bannann.
Both ripe and green plantains will last longer in the refrigerator.
It depends. If the plantains are ripe / or extremely yellow, they will taste like banana, but we do not recommend eating them raw as the taste and texture may be tough and may feel grainy. We recommend you cook the plantains first before eating them.
Plantain is considered as a power food. Although they are underrated, they can help with weight loss. Plantains are rich in fiber which will help keep you feeling full longer.
OTHER VITAMIX RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY
More Plantain Recipes you’ll enjoy
After trying Plantain Porridge (Labouyi Bannann), we recommend you try one of these plantain recipes next.
Haitian Bannnan Peze (Fried Plantain)
It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site, and we’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe.
Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.
Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!
Labouyi Bannann (Haitian Plantain Porridge)
Equipment
- High efficiency or high-powered blender Vitamix
Ingredients
Vitamix Blender Version
- 1 green plantain
- 1 carrot
- 1 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Whole star anise
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon or lime zest optional
- ½ cup sugar or honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Stove Top Version
- 1 green plantain
- 1 carrot
- 1 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- ½ cup sugar or honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon grated lime or lemon optional
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
Vitamix Blender Version
- Cut the plantain(s) and carrot(s) in bite-size pieces. Place the pieces in the blender along with all of the remaining ingredients.Blend on low to get the blender going, then gradually increase the speed to the highest level. Blend for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The blender will cook the porridge. It will also stop on its own if you forget to turn it off.
- Pour the porridge into a cup (if on the go) or bowl to enjoy at home. Enjoy warm with bread (optional).
Stove Top Version
- Peel the plantain and carrot or leave the skin on. cut into ½ inch slices. In the blender, puree the plantain and carrot with 1 ½ cup water. Set aside. In a medium saucepan on low heat, boil the water (1 cup), star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Once blended, add plantain puree and bring to a boil on low medium heat. Add evaporated milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and lime zest. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat. Stirring occasionally so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Enjoy warm, preferably with bread as traditionally served.
Ieva
I cannot believe I never knew of this recipe! We made it for the first time yesterday using the stovetop method, and we were instantly in love! A subtle hint of star anise in this porridge is just divine! Thanks for another great recipe:)
Tara
Less than 10 minutes is exactly what I need in the mornings! Love the yummy flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and star anise.
MacKenzie
This plantain porridge looks like the perfect way to start the morning. Grabbing the ingredients tomorrow to try this recipe
Jess
Totally stepping up my breakfast game with this porridge recipe!
Mirlene
Very glad to hear that, Jess.
Pat
Oh wow I never made this way in the blender ? So the veggies are not cooked just blended? Basically raw veggies
Mirlene
Hello Pat! No, they are not raw veggies. We used our Vitamix to cook it as explained in the post. The Vitamix blender is used to cook certain foods as well. If you have a good quality blender similar to the one mentioned, you can achieve the same results.
Tanya
I am a home health side for my best friend’s mom and they are Haitian. My friend was talking to me about her mom making this porridge all the time for her granddaughter. Her mom has dementia now. So I decided to look up a receipt for and make it for her. She loves it when I make it she said I make it just like she use to.
Mirlene
Hello, Tanya!
WOW. I am so glad she loves it. And thank you for making it for her, it makes it even more special. I appreciate you sharing the story as well. Thanks again!
Jo
Oh wow, that’s interesting!I use plantain a lot in my kitchen, but never made porridge out of it. I’m so interested to try these soon, saving it.
Mirlene
Thank you 🙂
Swathi
We dry green plantain and make porridge for kids with dried green plantains, most as first solid food. Love this Haitain recipe I got it from one of the friend I am yet to make it . Yours turned out be perfect.
Mirlene
Thank you, Swathi.
April
Such a wonderful way to perk up my everyday breakfast – just what I have been looking for – thank you! 🙂
Bee
Woo hoo…I need some more banans in my life!!!!!!!! Cannot wait to try this. This recipe looks incredible!
Mahy Elamin
Thanks for sharing this super cool banana recipe. I really love banana since it’s one of my favorite fruits and it’s so healthy for our bodies. I’m giving this recipe a try. Cheers!
Danielle Wolter
i have never heard of this before before i don’t know much about Haitian food. I’d really like to learn more. the flavors sound so delicious, I do love plantains!
Mirlene
Haitian food, just like any other Caribbean food is very rich in flavor and bold. I am very happy to hear you are interested in learning more :). Cheers!
Priya Srinivasan
OMG, that looks delicious and what lovely flavors, banana, cinnamon, vanilla this must be one aromatic porridge!!! A power packed breakfast to start the day!