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    Haitian Food » Labouyi Bannann-Plantain Porridge

    Labouyi Bannann-Plantain Porridge

    Posted On October 22, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated October 22, 2022 19 Comments

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    Plantain Porridge Pin

    Labouyi Bannann (Haitian Plantain Porridge) is a sure way to perk up your breakfast routines.  

    plantain porridge in black bowls

    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

    plantain porridge in black bowl

    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?

    porridge in black bowl

    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). 

    plantain porridge in black bowl with bread

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Is oatmeal and porridge same?

    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. 

    Is porridge a healthy breakfast?

    Yes, depending on the ingredients that are added, porridge can be a very healthy breakfast to consume at home or while on the go.

    Can plantains be substituted for bananas, and can plantains be too ripe?

    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. 

    How do you make plantains last longer?

    Both ripe and green plantains will last longer in the refrigerator.

    Can you eat plantains raw?

    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. 

    Is plantain good for weight loss?

    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. 

    porridge with bread on wooden board

    OTHER VITAMIX RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY

    Instant Pot Cauliflower

    Dragon Fruit Smoothie

    Papaya Juice

    Ginger Garlic Paste

    More Plantain Recipes you’ll enjoy

    After trying Plantain Porridge (Labouyi Bannann), we recommend you try one of these plantain recipes next. 

    Plantain Bread

    Air Fryer Plantain Chips

    How to Boil Plantains

    Plantain Balls

    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!

    plantain porridge in black bowl with bread

    Labouyi Bannann (Haitian Plantain Porridge)

    Savory Thoughts
    Easy, sweet, flavorful, and delicious Labouyi Bannann (Haitian Plantain Porridge). A quick Vitamix blend that's prepared in minutes. Great for busy mornings.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Total Time 9 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dinner
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 2 Servings
    Calories 320 kcal

    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.
      plantain porridge step by step photos
    • Pour the porridge into a cup (if on the go) or bowl to enjoy at home. Enjoy warm with bread (optional). 
      plantain porridge being poured from vitamix blender into a blue bowl.

    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. 
      Labouyi Bannann in a blue and green plate with plantain in the background, with yellow pepper on the side with a spoon. Easy, sweet, flavorful, and delicious Labouyi Bannann (Haitian Plantain Porridge). A quick Vitamix blend that's prepared in minutes. Great for busy mornings. Labouyi Bannann | Plantain Porridge | Labouyi | Easy Haitian Food Recipes | Low Carb Porridge | Haitian Breakfast | On The Go Breakfast Recipe | Green | Bananas | Savory Thoughts #Labouyibannann #Plantainporridge #Easyhaitianfoodrecipes #Lowcarbporridge #haitianbreakfast
    • Enjoy warm, preferably with bread as traditionally served. 
      plantain porridge in black bowl with bread

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe has been modified to a Vitamix version for busy days and mornings. Tradionnaly, Haitian porridge is often made on the stove and requires a lot of stirring. 
    You may use honey to sweeten the porridge; however, it will alter the taste. Another alternative is condensed milk. Please measure to your taste. 
    ~~~This post contain afflilate links. If you click on some of the links, I may receive compensation. Please read my full privacy policy here. ~~~

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2PeopleCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 254mgPotassium: 375mgFiber: 1gSugar: 59gVitamin A: 5100IUVitamin C: 22.3mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 0.2mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ieva

      October 25, 2022 at 4:52 am

      5 stars
      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:)

      Reply
    2. Tara

      October 25, 2022 at 4:50 am

      5 stars
      Less than 10 minutes is exactly what I need in the mornings! Love the yummy flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and star anise.

      Reply
    3. MacKenzie

      October 25, 2022 at 4:31 am

      5 stars
      This plantain porridge looks like the perfect way to start the morning. Grabbing the ingredients tomorrow to try this recipe

      Reply
    4. Jess

      October 25, 2022 at 1:29 am

      5 stars
      Totally stepping up my breakfast game with this porridge recipe!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        October 29, 2022 at 10:28 pm

        Very glad to hear that, Jess.

        Reply
    5. Pat

      November 29, 2021 at 12:36 am

      Oh wow I never made this way in the blender ? So the veggies are not cooked just blended? Basically raw veggies

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 01, 2021 at 3:38 am

        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.

        Reply
    6. Tanya

      January 26, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 26, 2020 at 9:18 pm

        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!

        Reply
    7. Jo

      April 13, 2019 at 6:59 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        April 14, 2019 at 11:00 am

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    8. Swathi

      April 05, 2019 at 3:36 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        April 14, 2019 at 11:04 am

        Thank you, Swathi.

        Reply
    9. April

      April 05, 2019 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      Such a wonderful way to perk up my everyday breakfast – just what I have been looking for – thank you! 🙂

      Reply
    10. Bee

      April 04, 2019 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      Woo hoo…I need some more banans in my life!!!!!!!! Cannot wait to try this. This recipe looks incredible!

      Reply
    11. Mahy Elamin

      April 04, 2019 at 8:09 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    12. Danielle Wolter

      April 03, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        April 04, 2019 at 9:23 am

        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!

        Reply
    13. Priya Srinivasan

      April 03, 2019 at 3:19 pm

      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!

      Reply

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