How to cook with banana flowers
What's the story
Often overshadowed by other ingredients, banana flowers are an absolute delight in numerous African cuisines. They add an unusual texture and taste to the dishes. Packed with nutrients, banana flowers are tasty as well as healthy. Here, we have curated a list of five African recipes that use banana flowers, displaying their culinary magic and versatility. Each dish emphasizes the unique qualities of banana flowers while offering a glimpse of African flavors.
Stew delight
Banana flower stew with vegetables
Banana flower stew is a common dish in many regions of Africa. It mixes banana flowers with a medley of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers to make a wholesome meal. The stew is usually flavored with spices like cumin and coriander to give it a depth of flavor. The dish is usually paired with rice or flatbread, making it a filling choice for lunch/dinner.
Curry flavor
Spicy banana flower curry
Spicy banana flower curry is another way to relish this unique ingredient. The curry has banana flowers cooked in coconut milk along with spices like turmeric and chili powder for heat. The creamy texture is balanced by the spiciness of the seasonings. It goes well with steamed rice or millet, giving a flavorful experience that showcases the versatility of banana flowers.
Salad crunch
Banana flower salad with peanuts
A refreshing salad made from banana flowers provides a crunchy texture with peanuts for flavor and protein. The salad consists of lime juice, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, and sliced onions for tanginess and aroma. This light yet satisfying dish can be consumed as an appetizer or side dish with main courses.
Stir-fry simplicity
Stir-fried banana flowers with garlic
Stir-frying is an amazing way to cook banana flowers quickly, while not losing out on their nutrition. In this recipe, sliced banana flowers are stir-fried with garlic until tender but crisp at the edges. They're simply seasoned using salt and pepper, letting the natural flavors take the center stage, without overpowering them too much. Serve hot over steamed grains like quinoa or couscous for a complete meal option at any time of day.
Grilled goodness
Grilled banana flowers on skewers
Grilling brings out smoky notes within delicate petals inside each blossom, when prepared right, skewered to grilled perfection! Marinated beforehand with a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and spices infuse further layers of taste and complexity before the cooking process even starts. This makes sure every bite is packed full of robust, savory goodness, perfect for outdoor gatherings and barbecues alike!