
If you’re looking for an alternative to your usual morning oats, this fonio breakfast porridge with caramelized bananas is for you! With a similar texture to Cream of Wheat, this nutty, creamy porridge is not only easy to make and healthy, but absolutely delicious.
WHAT IS FONIO?
Fonio is a West African ancient grain that is a great source of B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fair amounts of fiber and protein. Not only does it have quite a few nutritional benefits, but it’s also gluten-free. To learn more about this superfood, click here. I used the Yolélé brand for this recipe. I’m sure this is an easy find in your local African market, but if you don’t have access to one, I’ve been able to find fonio at my local Whole Foods and on Amazon.
INGREDIENTS FOR NUTTY FONIO PORRIDGE WITH CARAMELIZED BANANAS
For the Fonio Porridge:
- Fonio: Our creamy, delicious main ingredient.
- Water: for cooking
- Plant Milk: to make the porridge extra creamy and smooth.
- Maple Syrup: for sweetness.
- Cashew Butter: for added protein, nutty flavor, and more creaminess.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cardamom add warm flavors.
- Pecans: For a nice crunchy topping.
For the Caramelized Bananas:
- Bananas: You’ll want ripe bananas, but not bananas that are too soft.
- Maple Syrup: To help caramelize the bananas.
- Cinnamon: For a more warm flavor.

HOW TO MAKE NUTTY FONIO PORRIDGE WITH CARAMELIZED BANANAS
Fonio Porridge:
- Combine. Add the water, plant milk, and fonio to a small saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Simmer. Bring the porridge to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook on low. Once the fonio starts to simmer, continue to cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes. Stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat. Once the fonio porridge is smooth and creamy, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the cashew butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Cover until ready to serve.
Caramelized Bananas:
- Peel and slice the bananas lengthwise.
- Caramelize. In a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat, pour in the maple syrup and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon over the sizzling syrup.
- Immediately add the bananas flat side down onto the sizzling syrup.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bananas are dark golden brown.
- Serve the fonio porridge topped with the caramelized bananas, pecans, and an extra drizzle of plant milk.
- Enjoy!
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Fonio Porridge with Caramelized Bananas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
For the Fonio
- ½ cup Fonio
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Plant Milk
- 2 tbsp Agave or Maple Syrup
- 2 tbsp Cashew Butter
- ¼ cup Pecans
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- pinch Ground Cardamom
For the Caramelized Bananas
- 2 Bananas
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
For the Caramelized Bananas
- Peel and slice the bananas lengthwise.
- In a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat, pour the maple syrup and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon over the sizzling syrup.
- Place the bananas sliced side down into the sizzling syrup and cook for 2-3 minutes. The bananas should be a dark golden brown.
For the Fonio
- In a small saucepan, add the water, plant milk, and fonio. Stir.
- On medium heat, bring the porridge to a simmer then lower the heat and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cashew butter, agave or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Cover to keep warm and moist until ready to serve.
- To serve, split the fonio porridge between two bowls, top with the caramelized bananas and pecans. For smoother porridge feel free to pour a few extra tablespoons of plant milk.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Keywords: Caramelized bananas, easy breakfast recipe, fonio, healthy vegan recipe, porridge