Last Updated on April 7, 2021 by Chef Mireille
Labouyi Bannann is a healthy veggie based Haitian breakfast that is both delicious and good for you. This nutrient rich porridge is the way to start the day with a filling and wholesome breakast.
Some people may be surprised to use green plantain in a breakfast porridge as they may think Banana Porridge sounds more like breakfast. However, for Caribbean Americans, plantain porridge to us is as common as oatmeal or cream of wheat.
Although Cornmeal Porridge is ubiquitous throughout all of the Caribbean islands, Plantain Porridge is less popular except in Haiti and Jamaica.
You may have had Jamaican Plantain Porridge – now it’s time to try Haitian Plantain Porridge and explore more Haitian Recipes here.
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Is porridge healthy?
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…
Plantain Recipes
- 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!
What are the health benefits of plantain?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s get to making this delicious healthy breakfast that is as delicious as it is healthy.
Ingredients
- plantain
- carrot
- cinnamon stick
- star anise
- evaporated milk
- coconut milk
- vanilla extract
- firmly brown sugar
- freshly grated nutmeg (optional garnish)
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How to Make Haitian Plantain Porridge
- 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.
Labouyi Bannann – Haitian Plantain Porridge
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 green plantain
- 1 carrot
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 star anise
- 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar or more to taste
- freshly grated nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Peel the plantain and cut into small pieces.
- Peel the carrot and cut into small pieces.
- Combine the plantain, carrot and 2 cups water in a blender.
- Blend for 1 minutes until well blended and smooth.
- In a saucepan, place the cinnamon stick and the star anise in 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the evaporated milk and the coconut milk.
- As soon as it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and add the plantain puree.
- Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Simmer on medium low heat, stirring frequently for 10-15 minutes, until the plantain is cooked and the porridge is smooth and creamy. If the porridge tastes grainy, it needs to cook more.
- Add vanilla and sugar. Stir to combine.
- To serve, add nutmeg if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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This was my first time having plantain porridge and it was so good! Perfect with a little bit of nutmeg.
so glad you enjoyed it as much as I do.
Wow!! I had never heard of this dish before I came across your recipe but I’m so glad I tried it!! It is absolutely delicious and super comforting – I’ll definitely be making it again soon!
yes unless Haitian a lot of people have never heard of it. So glad you liked it.
I had never had plantain porridge before. It was the perfect breakfast dish.
yes it’s perfect breakfast food for any day.
My mom was the one who got me into eating plantains, so I know that I would be all over this porridge! Definitely going to give this a go! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
I’m so happy you have started eating plantains. It is such a versatile fruit.
Yum! I like plantains and condensed milk, but never put them together before. This looks like a great breakfast.
it is such a delicious breakfast. I know you are going to love it!
So healthy yet so tasty! My kids love it as well!
it’s something the whole family loves. So happy you found a new recipe for your family!
I had never had this kind of porridge until today! My friends came over and we were looking for an authentic recipe- and yours was a BIG hit! Thank you so much for sharing this charm!
So glad you all are being turned on to delicious Haitian recipes.
This is interesting, I have never heard of porridge from plantain and carrot. Something different to try. With a hint of cinnamon, it surely was so delicious.
I was so excited to try this recipe because I love plantain and I wasn’t disappointed! It tasted delicious and I’ll definitely be making it again
I love plantain also – isn’t it such a versatile ingredient to cook with!
I convinced Emory that this Haitian porridge was the same porridge that the three bears ate. She gobbled it right up. This was the perfect breakfast for her!
that’s a great way to sneak the kids into a veggie breakfast!
Wow! Mir I did not know you can make porridge with plantains. That is one simple yet delicious porridge a perfect start to a day. Cannot wait to try it.
Yes – in the Caribbean, we use plantains at every meal from breakfast to dessert. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @chefmireille when you try it. Can’t wait to see you pics!
I had never tried this healthy looking Labouyi Bannann breakfas. A great dish to have for breakfast. I would certainly have it anytime as it has the lovely flavours of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Yes the spices make it super flavorful.
I love this healthy alternative to the unhealthy American breakfast cereals and pastries. So wonderful!
Yes – I think Americans have one of the unhealthiest breakfasts in the world if you look at our traditional breakfast options
As someone who comes from an island culture, I can thoroughly appreciate a good porridge recipe! This plantain porridge was an entirely new concept to me so I immediately had to try it. Wow! It was delicious. And who knew evaporated milk has so much protein? Good to know!
Exactly this is healthy, nutritious and delicious.
This is comfort food right here! It was a very welcomed change to our morning routine. We love plantains, and it gave the porridge the perfect texture. This will not be my last time making this!
So glad you enjoyed it this much!
I loved how creamy and delicious was, and the use of the plantain was inspired! I’ve never tried plantain in my porridge and I loved how it turned out.
its not a common ingredient in porridge but once tried, it quickly becomes a favorite!
Had this on a rainy Sunday afternoon and it was the perf porridge to cuddle up to! It was my first time making it, and for sure wont be my last!
yes it is perfect comfort food – defined!
My family enjoyed your recipe for Plantain porridge. It was a nice switch up for breakfast. We will definitely be making it more often.
so happy this is become a favorite once people have the opportunity to try it
This was such a satisfying breakfast and my first try at any Haitian recipe. Thank you for making it so easy!
So happy you enjoyed one of my favorite Haitian breakfast.
The perfect way to start the day! I loved how this porridge incorporated so many flavors, it was beyond delicious!
I couldn’t agree more. This porridge is both healthy and delicious.