Recipes

Darasa (Green Banana Tamales)

  • Serves

    serves 6

PENNY DE LOS SANTOS

These banana tamales are a traditional Garifuna snack. This recipe first appeared in our November 2012 issue along with Betsy Andrews's story Cassava Nation.

Ingredients

  • 7 slightly green bananas, peeled and grated
  • 12 cup coconut milk
  • 14 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 12 tsp. kosher salt
  • 12 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 (9"-square) banana leaves or parchment paper, for wrapping (available at Grocerythai.com)

Instructions

Step 1

Stir together bananas, coconut milk, both juices, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Place a scant ¾ cup banana mixture in the center of each banana leaf. Fold the sides over filling, and then fold the open ends under to form 5" x 3" packets; set aside.

Step 2

Bring 2" water to a boil in an 8-qt. saucepan fitted with a steamer basket over medium-high heat. Place packets in steamer, stacking if necessary, and cover; cook until banana mixture is firm, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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