Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of Iru (locust beans)
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of palm oil
- 2 cups of water
- Salt to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large pot with lid
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and cut them into small cubes. Set aside.
2. Rinse the Iru and set aside.
3. In a blender or food processor, blend the onion, red bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth.
4. In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
5. Add the blended pepper mixture to the pot and stir for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the Iru to the pot and stir for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the plantains to the pot and stir well.
8. Add the water and salt to taste.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the plantains are soft and the porridge has thickened.
10. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you cannot find Iru, you can use black-eyed peas instead.
- If you do not have palm oil, you can use vegetable oil.
Variations:
- You can add other vegetables such as spinach or kale to the porridge.
- You can add meat such as chicken or beef to the porridge.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the porridge occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the porridge is too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.
- If the porridge is too thin, you can mash some of the plantains with a fork to thicken it.
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 over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the porridge in a bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
Pairings:
- This porridge goes well with fried plantains or boiled yams.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fried plantains
- Boiled yams
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the porridge is too spicy, you can add more water to dilute the heat.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling any food.
- Make sure to cook the porridge until the plantains are soft and the porridge has thickened to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food History:
- Iru and Plantain Porridge is a popular dish in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Flavor Profiles:
- This dish has a savory and slightly spicy flavor with a creamy texture from the plantains.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Nigerian