This is a mashed green banana recipe, healthy and delicious. Perfect sides for vegetarian and vegan recipes if you swap butter with olive oil. It comes under 30 minutes on your table, this mashed banana recipe stands for simple and easy, with just a few basic ingredients that are mostly available in all kitchens.
Mashed green banana leftovers can be easily turn in to delicious snacks like Fried Banana Balls.
Many people are surprised to learn that green bananas can be cooked like potatoes. They are not sweet like ripe bananas, so they work well in savory dishes.
This mashed green banana recipe is quick, filling, and perfect when you want something simple for lunch or dinner.
You will also love my other banana recipes, like the Banana Fritters Recipe next.
About Mashed Green Banana
Many of my regular readers know I am always trying to develop something new and different. And this recipe is also something different from a traditional one.
Mashed green banana is a traditional style comfort food in many kitchens around the world.
Green bananas are firm and starchy, so they behave more like a vegetable than a fruit when cooked. After boiling, they become soft and easy to mash.
In this recipe, the mashed bananas are cooked with butter, onions, garlic, and spices. The result is a warm and flavorful dish that feels both simple and satisfying.
In my family, some enjoy it as a side dish, while others turn it into a light meal.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Green bananas: Use firm green bananas for this recipe because they are starchy and cook similarly to potatoes.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked in butter. I personally like chopped sauteed onion, but It can be skip if you like.
- Garlic: Fresh chopped garlic brings a strong aroma and savory taste. I prefer fresh garlic instead of garlic paste because it keeps the flavor lighter and more natural.
- Chili flakes: Chili flakes give a gentle heat that balances the buttery mash. You can reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor, or add a little more if you enjoy spicy food.
- Cumin seeds: Whole cumin seeds release a warm and earthy flavor when sauteed in butter. Always cook them for about a minute first so they bloom and bring out their aroma.
- Cumin powder: This adds a deeper spice flavor to the mashed bananas. Ground cumin blends easily into the mash and helps create a rich, savory taste. Along with this, you can also add other spices that match your taste.
- Butter: I like butter for this recipe, but it is completely optional. Swap it with olive oil for a pure vegan recipe.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds color and brightness right before serving. If you want a softer herbal flavor, basil or parsley can also work as a substitute.
How to Make Mashed Green Banana Recipe
Believe me, this is a very simple and easy recipe to make at home with just basic ingredients and a few simple steps as follows.
1. Cut off both ends of the green bananas and place them in a pot of water. Boil on medium heat until they are fully cooked and tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Peel the boiled bananas and place them in a mixing bowl. Mash them well using a potato masher until smooth.
3. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil for vegan. Let it melt completely. Add the cumin seeds and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onions turn lightly golden.
4. Add chili flakes, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well so the spices coat the onions and release their aroma.
5. Add the mashed green bananas to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes until everything blends together and becomes smooth and flavorful.
6. Your mashed green banana dish is ready to serve. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, or use basil or parsley if you prefer a milder herbal finish.
Expert Tips For Smooth Mashed Banana
- Always use unripe green bananas for this recipe. They are starchy and mash well, while ripe bananas will turn sweet and too soft for a savory dish.
- Boiling bananas with the skin helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming too mushy. The peel also protects the texture while cooking.
- I usually mash the bananas when they are still warm because they break down more easily and give a smoother texture.
- Let the cumin seeds cook in butter for about a minute before adding other ingredients. This step releases their aroma and improves the overall flavor.
- Taste the dish before serving. You can sprinkle a little extra chili flakes or black pepper if you want more heat.
Serving Suggestion
Mashed green banana can be served warm as a side dish. It goes well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or simple rice.
Some people enjoy it with flatbread or toasted bread for an easy meal.
You can also add extra herbs on top for a fresh finish before serving.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mashed green banana will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat and stir gently.
You can add a small piece of butter if the texture feels dry.
Mashed green banana leftovers are key ingredients to make several snacks and appetizers.
FAQs
No, ripe bananas are sweet and soft. Green bananas work better because they are starchy and hold their shape.
They should be soft enough that a fork can easily go through them.
Yes. You can replace butter with olive oil or a plant based butter.
Yes. Some people like adding bell peppers, green onions, or extra garlic for more flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Spicy Indian Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Tomato Mashed Chutney, The Best Side
- Good Dinner Ideas With Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Green Banana Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 medium green bananas
- 1 onion (thinly chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (thinly chopped)
- ½ tablespoon chili flakes
- ⅓ tablespoon cumin seeds
- ⅓ tablespoon cumin powder
- salt to taste
- 2 cubes butter
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cut off both ends of the green bananas and place them in a pot of water. Boil on medium heat until they are fully cooked and tender, about 20 minutes.
- Peel the boiled bananas and place them in a mixing bowl. Mash them well using a potato masher until smooth.
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil for vegan. Let it melt completely. Add the cumin seeds and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onions turn lightly golden.
- Add chili flakes, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well so the spices coat the onions and release their aroma.
- Add the mashed green bananas to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes until everything blends together and becomes smooth and flavorful.
- Your mashed green banana dish is ready to serve. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, or use basil or parsley if you prefer a milder herbal finish.
Notes
- Boil the bananas until just fork tender so they mash easily without becoming watery.
- Mash the bananas while still warm for a smoother texture.
- Cook cumin seeds in butter first to release their aroma before adding onions.
- Stir the mash gently so the texture stays soft and creamy.
