5 banana flower recipes you'll enjoy
What's the story
Often ignored in the kitchen, banana flowers are one of the most nutrient-rich and versatile ingredients. They add a distinctive texture and flavor, uplifting everything from salads to curries. Here are five innovative recipes to incorporate banana flowers into your meals, making your cooking richer with the addition of this nutritious ingredient.
Stir-fry
Banana flower stir-fry delight
A simple stir-fry is an excellent way to enjoy the natural flavors of banana flowers. Clean and slice the banana flower petals. Saute them with onions, garlic, and green chilies for a spicy kick. Add some turmeric and salt for seasoning. This dish goes well with rice or flatbreads and makes for a quick weekday meal that's both healthy and satisfying.
Fritters
Savory banana flower fritters
Crispy banana flower fritters make for a perfect tea time snack or appetizer. To make them, mix chopped banana flowers with chickpea flour, spices such as cumin and coriander powder, and water to make a batter. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture into hot oil until golden brown. Best enjoyed hot with mint chutney or ketchup on the side, these fritters are delicious.
Curry
Creamy banana flower curry
For those who love rich flavors, try making a creamy curry using banana flowers. Start by sauteing onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like garam masala in oil until fragrant. Add chopped banana flowers along with coconut milk to make it creamy. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve this curry over steamed rice or alongside bread.
Salad
Refreshing banana flower salad
This refreshing salad with banana flowers is ideal for warm days when you want to eat something light but filling. In a bowl, combine thinly sliced banana flower petals with grated coconut, diced cucumbers, carrots, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently before serving chilled as an accompaniment at lunch or dinner tables alike.
Soup
Spicy banana flower soup
Spicy soups can also be comforting during colder months, as well as nutritious options throughout the year. Prepare one using cleaned-and-chopped-up pieces from fresh bananas' blossoms combined alongside vegetable broth plus seasonings like chili flakes if desired. Let simmer until tender then blend smooth before reheating again briefly prior consumption. Ideal starter course for any mealtime occasion.