In the Caribbean, we call an unripe banana “Green Fig.”

For us, green fig isn’t a fruit salad ingredient only, but a punch or porridge ingredient.

And if you’ve never had it as porridge, you’re missing out on one of the most comforting, belly-hugging dishes we’ve got.

It’s a hearty, rich, and satisfying porridge that’s both nutritious and soul-soothing.

What Is Green Fig Porridge?

Green fig porridge is a traditional Caribbean breakfast dish made from boiled green bananas.

The bananas are peeled, chopped, and cooked until tender, then blended with spices, milk, and sometimes oats or flour to form a thick, creamy porridge.

It’s high in potassium and energy, and perfect for both adults and kids.

Similarly, some folks keep it simple with just coconut milk and spices. I love making mine with Nestlé condensed and evaporated milk.

Ingredient Breakdown for Green Fig Porridge

Green Bananas (Green Fig): These are unripe bananas packed with starch and potassium. When boiled, they become soft and mild in flavor.

Water: Used to boil the green figs until they’re tender. It softens them so they blend smoothly later on.

Coconut Milk: Adds that rich, Caribbean creaminess and subtle tropical flavor. Fresh coconut milk is best, but canned works fine. It gives the porridge body and a slightly nutty taste.

Nestlé Evaporated Milk: This is unsweetened, creamy milk that boosts richness. It helps balance the thickness of the bananas and blends smoothly with the other flavors.

Nestlé Condensed Milk: Sweet and sticky, this milk brings a signature sweetness and silky texture. It cuts the starch taste and makes everything more comforting. It’s one of the main reasons the porridge tastes so indulgent.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. You’ll be surprised how important this is.

Cinnamon: Gives a warm, comforting aroma and flavour that pairs beautifully with the banana base. Essential in most Caribbean porridges.

Grated Nutmeg: Another classic spice. Adds depth and a slightly earthy note that rounds out the porridge. A little goes a long way.

Vanilla Essence: Smooth and mellow, vanilla essence lifts the porridge and gives it a gentle sweet fragrance. It also brings harmony to all the other ingredients.

Quick Oats or All-Purpose Flour (Optional): Used for extra thickness if you want the porridge really hearty. Oats give a slight chew and nutritional boost; flour just thickens without changing taste.

Brown Sugar (Optional): If you love your porridge extra sweet or skipped condensed milk, this adds natural sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make one good pot of green fig porridge (serves 3–4):

4 green bananas (green fig) – peeled and chopped
2 cups water – to boil the bananas
1 cup coconut milk – fresh or canned
½ cup Nestlé evaporated milk
¼ cup Nestlé condensed milk
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Optional: ¼ cup quick oats or flour – for extra thickness
Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar – if you like it sweeter

How to Make Green Fig Porridge

Prepare the Bananas

Peel the green figs and cut them into small chunks.

Place them in a pot with 2 cups of water.

Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 10–12 minutes).

Blend

Drain the boiled bananas and let them cool slightly.

Blend them with coconut milk until smooth. You can add oats or flour at this stage for extra texture.

Simmer and Spice

Pour the blended mixture into a pot on low heat.

Stir in evaporated milk, condensed milk, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla essence.

Keep stirring continuously to avoid sticking or burning.

Sweeten and Finish

Taste and adjust sweetness. You may not need sugar if using condensed milk, but add brown sugar if desired.

Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy.

Serve warm, ideally with a slice of hard dough bread or fried bake.

Storage Tips

Green fig porridge stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It thickens as it cools, so when reheating:

Add a splash of evaporated milk or water.
Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring halfway through.

Avoid freezing—the texture changes and gets a bit grainy.

FAQ

Can I use ripe bananas instead of green fig? No. Ripe bananas are too soft and sweet for this porridge. Green fig has a starchy base that gives it a better texture when blended.

Is this porridge vegan? Not with Nestlé milk products. To make it vegan, swap condensed and evaporated milk for sweetened coconut cream or nut milk alternatives.

What’s the difference between green fig and plantain? Green fig is a smaller, less sweet variety than plantain. While both are used in porridges, plantain has a slightly richer taste and softer texture when boiled.

Can I make it without oats or flour? Yes! The boiled green fig alone gives a thick texture. Oats or flour are optional for extra body.

Are there other flavours I can add? Feel free to try almond essence, bay leaf during boiling, or even a pinch of clove for depth.

Green fig porridge is more than just a meal. It’s a taste of childhood, of Caribbean mornings.

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