Pickled Green Banana Salad
Explore the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine with this refreshing Pickled Green Banana Salad. This unique dish transforms unripe green bananas into a tangy, savory delight, making it a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. The recipe involves boiling bright green bananas, slicing them, and marinating them in a flavorful escabeche sauce made with onions, garlic, olives, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish, or a light standalone salad, this dish is best served chilled and allows the flavors to meld together for a deliciously complex profile. Ideal for summer gatherings or as an exotic addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green bananas
2 lbs (Bright green and unripe, about 10 bananas, with ends cut off and lengthwise cut on skin)
Onions
2 large (Sliced into thin rings)
White vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
Garlic cloves
3-4 (Crushed)
Green olives
10-12 (Stuffed with pimiento if desired)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Whole black peppercorns
10-12 (None)
Bay leaves
3-4 (None)
Olive oil
1 cup (Light or regular, for cooking and dressing)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the green bananas: Cut off the ends of each banana and make a long cut along the outer curve of the skin, being careful not to peel them.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt along with 2 teaspoons of oil to help with peeling later. Carefully add the bananas and boil on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, monitoring them closely to avoid overcooking.
3
While the bananas are boiling, prepare the escabeche sauce: In a pot, combine sliced onions, white vinegar, crushed garlic, green olives, salt, whole black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm. Then, lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to develop. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4
Once the bananas are cooked to a tender yet firm texture (test with a toothpick), remove them from the water and peel off the skins. Cut the bananas into 1-inch rounds and transfer them into a glass or Tupperware bowl.
5
Pour the cooled escabeche sauce over the sliced bananas. Gently mix to combine, ensuring the bananas are well coated. Cover the bowl and allow it to reach room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
6
Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours, but longer marination is recommended for enhanced flavor. Serve cold as a delightful side dish or light salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pickled Green Banana Salad?
It is a refreshing Caribbean dish, also known as guineos en escabeche, featuring boiled unripe green bananas marinated in a tangy sauce.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include green bananas, onions, white vinegar, garlic, green olives, olive oil, and aromatic spices like peppercorns and bay leaves.
How do I prepare the green bananas for boiling?
Cut off the ends of each banana and make a long cut along the outer curve of the skin, but do not peel them before boiling.
Why should I add oil to the boiling water?
Adding 2 teaspoons of oil to the boiling water helps make the bananas easier to peel once they are cooked.
How long do the green bananas need to boil?
Boil the bananas on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until they reach a tender yet firm texture.
How do I know when the bananas are finished cooking?
You can test the texture with a toothpick; they should be tender but still firm to avoid turning mushy.
What is escabeche sauce?
Escabeche is a flavorful marinade made from onions, vinegar, garlic, olives, and spices that is simmered to develop deep savory notes.
How long should the escabeche sauce simmer?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat for about 1 hour to allow the flavors of the garlic, onions, and spices to fully meld.
What kind of onions should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 large onions sliced into thin rings.
Should the escabeche sauce be hot when mixed with the bananas?
No, you should let the escabeche sauce cool to room temperature before pouring it over the sliced bananas.
How should the cooked bananas be sliced?
Once peeled, the bananas should be cut into 1-inch rounds.
Is Pickled Green Banana Salad served hot or cold?
This dish is best served chilled after it has had time to marinate in the refrigerator.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad for at least 2 hours, though longer marination improves the flavor.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses only plant-based ingredients.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe suggests 10-12 green olives, which can be stuffed with pimiento if desired.
Can I use yellow bananas for this recipe?
No, this recipe requires bright green, unripe bananas to achieve the correct texture and savory flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3-4 crushed garlic cloves.
What type of oil is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of light or regular olive oil.
How many bananas are typically in 2 lbs?
Two pounds is approximately 10 medium green bananas.
What spices are used to flavor the escabeche?
The marinade is flavored with 10-12 whole black peppercorns and 3-4 bay leaves.
What is the best way to store the salad?
Store the salad in a covered glass or Tupperware bowl in the refrigerator.
Can this be eaten as a main course?
While it is typically a side dish, it can also be served as a light standalone salad.
Should I peel the bananas before or after boiling?
You should boil them with the skins on (after making a slit) and peel them only after they are cooked.
How much salt is used in the marinade?
The escabeche sauce uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Does the recipe use whole or ground peppercorns?
The recipe specifically calls for whole black peppercorns.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The bananas should be tender and well-coated in a silky, tangy onion and oil sauce.
Is this a good dish for summer gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing and chilled nature makes it an ideal side dish for summer events.
What is another name for this dish?
It is commonly known as guineos en escabeche in Caribbean culinary traditions.
How do I ensure the bananas are well coated?
Gently mix the sliced bananas with the cooled sauce until every piece is covered before refrigerating.