Boiled Green Banana is an accompaniment to many Caribbean dishes. This healthy fruit has many benefits and is the perfect base for many delicious meals.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
Whenever I have a traditional Jamaican meal, whether it's mackerel rundown, ackee and saltfish, or callaloo, cooked green bananas on the plate are a must. It's a popular dish among the Caribbean islands, and you can easily find unripe bananas in many Caribbean markets.
While ripe yellow bananas are a popular and well-known fruit, their unripe counterparts, green bananas, are often overlooked. However, these bananas are not only packed with essential nutrients, but they also offer a versatile and delicious alternative to traditional carbohydrate sources.
Green bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes regularity. Consuming boiled green bananas can help you meet your daily fiber intake goals and support gut health.
How to Choose and Prepare Green Bananas for Boiling
Look for firm, unblemished bananas that are not too ripe or too unripe. They should have a slight give when pressed gently. Rinse the bananas in water before boiling them to remove any dirt or grime that may be on the bananas.
Cut the ends off the bananas. Then using a pairing knife, slice into the flesh of the banana alongside the long side of the banana. Be careful not to cut into the inside of the banana. Do not peel the banana at this stage.
This step will make it easier to remove the skin from the bananas after boiling.
Boiling Process
Bring water to a boil in a large pot and a little salt. Carefully add the bananas to the pot, ensuring that they are fully submerged in the salted water. Boil for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy.
Remove from heat, drain, and let them cool slightly before peeling and serving.
What to serve with Green Bananas
There are many uses for cooked green bananas. Try these delicious recipes:
- Simple boiled green bananas with a twist: Serve them with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty and refreshing side dish.
- Boiled green banana salad: Combine sliced boiled green bananas with diced avocado, mango, red onion, and cilantro. Toss with a citrus vinaigrette for a tropical and nutritious salad.
- Green banana mash: Mash boiled bananas with butter, garlic, and a touch of cream for a satisfying alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Green banana curry: Create a fusion of Caribbean and Indian flavors by simmering boiled green bananas in a tomato-based curry sauce with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
- Boiled green banana is usually served with boiled dumplings in many Caribbean meals.
Incorporating them into your Diet
- Pair with protein: Serve boiled green bananas alongside grilled or baked chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Replace traditional carbohydrates: Use them as a substitute for starchy staples like potatoes, rice, or pasta in your favorite dishes.
- Meal planning and prep: Boil a batch of green bananas at the beginning of the week and store them in the refrigerator for easy meal additions throughout the week.
We hope you love these boiled green bananas as much as we do. If you give this recipe, please leave a comment and let us know how you like it.
Boiled Green Bananas
Ingredients
- 5-6 green bananas
- 10-12 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Rinse the bananas in water before boiling them to remove any dirt or grime that may be on the bananas.
- Cut the ends off the bananas. Then using a pairing knife, slice into the flesh of the banana alongside the long side of the banana. Be careful not to cut into the inside of the banana. Do not peel the banana at this stage.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot and a little salt. Carefully add the bananas to the pot, ensuring that they are fully submerged in the salted water. Boil for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy.
- Remove from heat, drain, and let them cool slightly before peeling and serving.
jean says
the boiling of green bananas new to me ! although i look forward to trying.have had them made sweet maduros and double fried as tostones looking forward to this Thanks!