Weekly Recipe: Banana Peel Curry

Overview

Banana peel is often discarded, but it’s actually a nutritious and flavorful ingredient! Packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, banana peel can be transformed into a delicious, savory curry with just a few simple spices. This recipe combines coconut milk, spices, and banana peel to create a unique vegetarian dish that’s perfect for those looking to explore zero-waste cooking or try something new. It’s deliciously fragrant and pairs perfectly with rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Unexpected but flavorful – Turns banana peels into a hearty curry.
✔ Eco-friendly – A sustainable recipe using an ingredient that’s often thrown away.
✔ Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
✔ Easy to make – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.

Ingredients 

• 1 small onion, sliced
• 5 curry leaves
• 2-3 banana peels, soaked in 1/4 tsp turmeric and water
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup coriander, chopped

Method 

1. Prepare the banana peel – Rinse the banana peels, trim off any black or woody ends, and slice them thinly.
2. Sauté the aromatics – Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and curry leaves, frying for 5-10 minutes until the onion turns golden.
3. Cook the banana peel and coconut – Add the sliced banana peel and shredded coconut to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes and spices – Add the quartered cherry tomatoes, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and ground spices. Fry for another 3-4 minutes to release the flavors.
5. Simmer with coconut milk – Pour in the coconut milk, stir, and let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken and meld together.
6. Serve – Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and serve over jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

- Add protein – For a more substantial dish, add tofu or lentils to the curry.
- Adjust spice levels – Add more chili powder for extra heat, or reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.
- Pair with flatbread – Serve this curry with naan or roti for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Peel Curry is an innovative dish that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for the planet. By using the often-discarded peel, you’re making a sustainable meal that’s rich in flavor and texture. With a balance of spices and coconut milk, it’s a comforting curry that everyone will enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself saving banana peels for your next curry!