Fried Plantain and Beans Porridge

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Nigerian dish combining sweet fried plantains and soft cooked beans simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This African recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 75 minutes, pairs black-eyed peas (beans), soaked, ripe plantains, peeled and diced, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 2 cups soaked black-eyed peas and place in a large pot with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until beans are tender.
  2. Step 2: While beans cook, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 large diced ripe plantains and fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and caramelized on the edges. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same frying pan, add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the blended mix of 3 medium fresh tomatoes, 1 medium red bell pepper, and 1 small chopped scotch bonnet pepper along with 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and oil starts separating.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked beans with their cooking liquid to the tomato sauce. Stir gently and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Fold in the fried plantains, season with salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes over low heat.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm as a hearty main dish or side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fried Plantain and Beans Porridge take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fried Plantain and Beans Porridge?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Plantain and Beans Porridge?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fried Plantain and Beans Porridge for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Fried Plantain and Beans Porridge vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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