🍌 Upcycled Banana Peel Curry Recipe (Zero-Waste & Vegan)
Yes, you can eat banana peels! This delicious Indian-style banana peel curry is a creative way to reduce kitchen waste and enjoy a fiber-rich, flavorful, and completely vegan dish.
Make a delicious banana peel curry with this zero-waste vegan recipe! Packed with flavor and perfect for sustainable cooking using upcycled banana skins.
🌍 Why Eat Banana Peels?
Most people toss banana skins — but they’re rich in fiber, antioxidants, and potassium. When cooked properly, they become soft and absorb flavors beautifully. This upcycled banana peel curry is a sustainable, healthy, and surprisingly delicious dish inspired by South Indian and Bengali cooking traditions.
🍛 Ingredients:
- 2 ripe banana peels (washed and scraped)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili (optional), sliced
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp garam masala or curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable oil)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- A squeeze of lemon or lime
🍽️ Instructions:
-
Prepare the banana peels:
Wash banana peels thoroughly. Scrape off the inner stringy layer with a spoon and finely chop the skins. -
Boil the peels (optional but recommended):
Boil chopped peels in salted water for 5–7 minutes to soften and reduce bitterness. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the curry:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
- Add onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté until golden.
- Add chopped tomato and all spices (turmeric, coriander, garam masala). Cook until tomato softens.
- Stir in banana peels, mix well, and cook for 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
-
Garnish and serve:
Top with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice, roti, or flatbread.
♻️ Why This Recipe is Sustainable:
- Upcycles food waste (banana peels)
- Reduces landfill waste
- Plant-based and eco-conscious
- Inspired by traditional low-waste cooking cultures
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Use organic bananas for best flavor and fewer chemicals on the peel.
- Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Make it creamy by stirring in a little coconut milk at the end.
- Skip the chili for a mild version.
❓ FAQs
Q: Are banana peels really edible?
Yes! When washed, cooked, and softened properly, banana peels are completely safe and nutritious to eat.
Q: What kind of bananas work best?
Use ripe yellow bananas — not green or overly spotted ones — for better texture and mild flavor.
Q: Can I store banana peel curry?
Yes! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
🌿 Final Thoughts:
This upcycled banana peel curry proves that sustainability can be both delicious and creative. Packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and good for the planet — it's a dish that turns food waste into a warm, satisfying meal. Try it once, and you’ll never look at banana peels the same way again!
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