Teff Porridge With Dates & Poached Banana
Teff is an East African grain that has been a staple of Ethiopian cuisine for thousands of years. Although teff is the world’s tiniest grain it has incredible health benefits. It is packed with fiber, protein, and calcium. Because teff is so rich and comforting I love to make it on days when I’m feeling under the weather or experiencing bloating or PMS symptoms. It is great for digestion and is full of all the nutrients you need during times of imbalance. Slow-cooking teff with some sticky dates, sliced banana, and warming spices makes a perfectly filling and nutrient-dense breakfast!
Teff Porridge w/ Dates and Poached Banana
(1 serving)
1/3 cup teff grain
1 1/3 cup water
2 medjool dates, chopped
1/2 banana, thickly sliced
dash of each: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp maca (optional)
1 tbsp flaxmeal
Optional topping: nut butter, blueberries, seeds, nuts, oatmilk, agave, non-dairy yogurt
Add your teff to a dry saucepan on medium heat. Allow it to toast, until you hear it sizzle and pop and you smell a nutty aroma.
Pour 1 and a 1/3 cup of water into the pan. (add the water slowly or else the teff and water will fizzle out of the pot!)
Add a pinch of salt, turn your heat up and allow the teff to come to a boil. Lower your heat, cover, and allow it to simmer for about 10-15 min, stirring occassionaly.
Once the teff has started to thicken, add half the banana slices and half of the chopped dates (some will be used for garnish), and a dash of each of your spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove.
Add a few splashes of milk to cover your porridge and place the lid back on your pot, but this time keep it ajar. Turn your heat up to a medium high heat. Simmer until your banana start to get puffy and the date get softer, about 5 minutes. You will want to keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. If the porridge seems to thicken too quickly, give it a stir and add a few more splashes of milk.
Once it has reached your desired consistency, stir in your flaxmeal, maca, and cocoa powder and a few splashes of milk. You can also add a drizzle of agave or maple syrup if you want a little more sweetness besides the fruit.
Turn off your stove, place the lid on your porridge, and set it on the back burner, allowing your teff to rest and thicken for 2 minutes.
scoop your teff into a bowl and add the dates and bananas that your set aside. Top with any additional toppings that you desire! I love to add blueberries, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, nut butter, coconut, blueberries, a drizzle of agave and a splash of oatmilk.