Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Peel and chop the plantains into small pieces and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine the cornmeal, water, and salt. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well.
4. Add the vegetable broth and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well.
5. Add the chopped plantains to the pot. Stir well.
6. Place the pot on medium heat and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. In a blender, blend the mixture until smooth.
9. Return the mixture to the pot and add the olive oil and butter. Stir well.
10. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of vegetable broth, you can use chicken or beef broth.
- Instead of coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or almond milk.
- Instead of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil.
- Instead of butter, you can use margarine or ghee.
Variations:
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the porridge for added protein.
- You can add chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the porridge for added nutrition.
- You can add spices such as cumin or turmeric for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
- If the mixture is too thin, add more cornmeal to thicken it up.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the porridge in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the porridge in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro or parsley
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the porridge is too thick, add more liquid and stir well.
- If the porridge is too thin, add more cornmeal and stir well.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the porridge to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Banku and plantain porridge is a traditional dish from Ghana.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of spice.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Ghanaian