Caribbean green fig (green banana) souse recipe
19.6.24
| Recipe by Renz
Looking for a unique and flavorful dish? This green fig souse recipe combines
fresh herbs and spices to create a tangy, mouth-watering experience. Read on to
discover how to make this delightful dish step-by-step.
Green fig souse is a beloved dish in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite its name, "green fig" actually refers to green bananas (unripe bananas). This tangy and spicy dish is a staple at gatherings and is celebrated for its refreshing taste and vibrant flavors.
Traditionally, it's enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, offering a unique combination of textures and tastes that capture the essence of Caribbean culinary traditions.
This is a great alternative to our other meat souse recipes. It also falls in well with other cutters like geera chicken neck.
Green fig souse has refreshing flavors and nutritional benefits. So, let's make this dish!
The taste of green fig souse is a delightful mix of tangy, spicy, and savory notes. The blend of tangy lime juice provides a zesty kick, while the scotch bonnet pepper adds a subtle heat without overwhelming the palate.
The green bananas, once boiled, have a slightly starchy texture that absorbs the flavors of the marinade beautifully. The addition of fresh herbs like chadon beni (culantro) and crunchy cucumber slices enhances the overall freshness and complexity of the dish.
Start by removing the ends from the green bananas. Wash them thoroughly and place them in a large pot of boiling water with about a tablespoon salt. Cook until tender, which takes about 25 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool completely.
Cover the banana slices with enough water to submerge all the pieces. Add the lime juice, garlic, onion, chadon beni, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Taste the souse and adjust the salt and lime juice to your preference. For extra heat, add more scotch bonnet pepper as desired.
Enjoy your green fig souse chilled or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Store your green fig souse in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it well-covered will help preserve its freshness and flavor.
Green fig souse can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Over time, the flavors will meld and intensify, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days of preparation.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to personalize your green fig souse. Some popular additions include:
Green fig souse is a delightful and popular Caribbean delicacy that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and experience the vibrant taste of the Caribbean!
If you enjoyed this green fig souse recipe, you might also like these other delicious Caribbean dishes:
Green fig souse is a beloved dish in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite its name, "green fig" actually refers to green bananas (unripe bananas). This tangy and spicy dish is a staple at gatherings and is celebrated for its refreshing taste and vibrant flavors.
Traditionally, it's enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, offering a unique combination of textures and tastes that capture the essence of Caribbean culinary traditions.
This is a great alternative to our other meat souse recipes. It also falls in well with other cutters like geera chicken neck.
Green fig souse has refreshing flavors and nutritional benefits. So, let's make this dish!
What does green fig souse taste like?
The taste of green fig souse is a delightful mix of tangy, spicy, and savory notes. The blend of tangy lime juice provides a zesty kick, while the scotch bonnet pepper adds a subtle heat without overwhelming the palate.
The green bananas, once boiled, have a slightly starchy texture that absorbs the flavors of the marinade beautifully. The addition of fresh herbs like chadon beni (culantro) and crunchy cucumber slices enhances the overall freshness and complexity of the dish.
Ingredients notes
- Green figs: Green figs play a crucial role and are the star of this dish. They are firm and starchy, making them perfect for boiling and absorbing the flavors of the marinade.
- Lime juice: Essential for giving the souse its signature tanginess. Using freshly squeezed juice is always best for the brightest flavor.
- Chadon beni: Also known as culantro, chadon beni is a key herb in Caribbean cooking, offering a robust, citrusy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Scotch bonnet pepper: This pepper brings the heat and a fruity flavor. Removing the seeds helps control the spiciness, making the dish more palatable for those sensitive to spice.
- Garlic and onion: These aromatics add depth and savory notes to the souse, balancing the tanginess and heat.
Making the green fig souse
Prepare the green fig
Start by removing the ends from the green bananas. Wash them thoroughly and place them in a large pot of boiling water with about a tablespoon salt. Cook until tender, which takes about 25 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool completely.
Peel and slice
Once cooled, peel the bananas and slice them into 1-inch rounds. Place them in a bowl.
Marinate
Cover the banana slices with enough water to submerge all the pieces. Add the lime juice, garlic, onion, chadon beni, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Adjust seasoning
Taste the souse and adjust the salt and lime juice to your preference. For extra heat, add more scotch bonnet pepper as desired.
Serve
Enjoy your green fig souse chilled or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Tips
- To make the best green fig souse recipe, ensure that your bananas are tender but not mushy.
- Cooling them completely before peeling helps maintain their structure.
- Fresh ingredients, especially lime juice and herbs, will enhance the flavor significantly. Always taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Question
How to store green fig souse
Store your green fig souse in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it well-covered will help preserve its freshness and flavor.
How long can green fig souse last
Green fig souse can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Over time, the flavors will meld and intensify, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days of preparation.
Additional ingredients you can use
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to personalize your green fig souse. Some popular additions include:
- Bell peppers: For added crunch and sweetness.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced for extra texture.
- Green seasoning: A blend of fresh herbs and spices for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chado beni sauce: Use a spoon to add additional flavor
- Pimento peppers: These seasoning peppers would be great for some additional flavor
Green fig souse is a delightful and popular Caribbean delicacy that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and experience the vibrant taste of the Caribbean!
Related recipes
If you enjoyed this green fig souse recipe, you might also like these other delicious Caribbean dishes:
- Chicken Foot Souse
- Green Fig Salad
- Green fig pie
- Green fig and saltfish
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