Banana Blossom Patties

While surfing (Do they call it surfing anylonger?) the web, I read this amazing quote from one of my favourite bloggers: “Be kind. Be generous. Create. Love. Heal. Move forward. Rest. Love harder and create some more. Most importantly: get weird.”And in the name of being weird or something like it I want to ask,  if I presented you with these banana blossom patties, would you eat them? You would right? Because I have known banana blossoms are edible ever since I was a little child.  There was someone who would make killer fritters with this magical fruit (now that I am thinking about it, I wonder if it is a fruit at all!). I don’t remember her but I remember the fritters (they were that good!). We have a handful of banana plants in the backyard which are yielding well with bogoya, matooke and the one used to make juice (which is so good by the way). Whenever these plants bring bananas, we are most excited about the blossoms so we can either make a groundnut stew or these patties.

But before we go any further, I would like to explain how banana blossom is prepared. Well, you break it off the bunch and then remove the over coverings till you reach an inner soft and tender part. This is the part that is to be boiled to remove the  bitter sap. Once it is boiled (it will turn a dark colour), let it cool and then you can transform it into any meal you want.

If you don’t already know, I am so obsessed with smoky flavoured foods like these irresistible eggplant parmesan meatballs in home-made sauce.  I decided, for a change to roast  the blossom to remove the sap and give it a smoky flavour at the same time.

What you will need

1 Whole banana blossom, chopped into thin slices

1 Large green pepper, finely diced

1 Large carrot, grated

Two medium onions, finely diced

Two medium tomatoes, finely diced

2 Eggs

3 Tbsp. baking flour

1 Tsp. Dark soy sauce

2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped

A handful of coriander, finely chopped

1 Tsp Rosemary

Chili flakes

Salt

 

Method

In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix well. Place a frying pan on medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once the oil has become hot, add three spoons of the patty mixture in the pan and spread then out evenly. Let the patty fry for about two minutes and then flip and let the other side cook for the same amount of time. Remove from fire and repeat the process until the mixture is over.  Serve these as is, with mayonnaise, ketchup, rice (my favourite!), or in a bun with some cheese and make instant burgers.

Pure awesomeness! You can simply double the batch and save some patties in the refrigerator for weeklong quick meals. I am already eyeing the next banana blossom!

I would like to know, do you eat or have you ever tasted banana blossom? How do you prepare it? Let me know in the comments below so we can discuss!

🙂

Sophie