Spiced Banana Peel Stew

Name: Spiced Banana Peel Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4-6
Ingredients: 3 organic bananas (with the peel); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, sliced; 3 Caribbean Bay Leaves, broken into pieces; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp chili flakes; ¼ cup parsley or celery, chopped; 1 large ripe tomato, chopped; ⅛ tsp kosher salt; ¾ cup water; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp soy sauce; ½ cup tomato sauce

Servings

4-6

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Shadel says, “This stew is a flavorful culinary delight and a smart, nutritious choice. Bay leaves are known for their rich aroma and health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Additionally, incorporating banana peels in this dish adds a boost of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, promoting gut health and overall well-being. By using these often overlooked but nutrient-packed ingredients, we reduce food waste and contribute to food security by making the most out of every resource available. This dish tantalizes the taste buds and supports a sustainable approach to cooking, showcasing how delicious and nutritious meals can be created while prioritizing health and environmental responsibility."

Author:

Shadel Nyack Compton, our partner farmer of Caribbean Bay Leaves in Grenada

Ingredients

3 organic bananas (with the peel)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
3 Caribbean Bay Leaves, broken into pieces
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp chili flakes
¼ cup parsley or celery, chopped
1 large ripe tomato, chopped
⅛ tsp kosher salt
¾ cup water
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp soy sauce
½ cup tomato sauce

Directions

Wash the bananas thoroughly. Cut off the ends, remove the bananas, and set them aside for another recipe. Using a spoon, scrape out all the white banana pulp from the banana peels and discard it.
Finely shred the peels using a fork, then cut them into thin strips. Wash the strips in cold water and soak them in a bowl of vinegar and water for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, strain out the water and prepare the peels for cooking.
In a hot pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add the broken bay leaves and kosher salt, continuing to sauté until fragrant.
Add thyme, chili flakes, and chopped parsley or celery, and sauté for a few more minutes.
Shake excess water from the soaked banana peels and add them to the pan. Stir well to combine with the herbs and bay leaves.
Pour in soy sauce, chopped tomato, and tomato sauce. Stir to mix everything evenly.
After about 3 minutes, add about ⅓ of the water and cover the pan. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly and adding water intermittently to ensure thorough cooking.
Serve over rice or your favorite starch.