Caribbean green fig (green banana) souse recipe

Green fig souse is a tangy Caribbean dish made with boiled green bananas, fresh herbs, peppers, and a seasoned lime mixture. It’s a refreshing, meat-free version of souse that’s enjoyed in Trinidad and Tobago.

In Tobago, we commonly call unripe green bananas green figs, while in Trinidad, they’re more often called green bananas. Once boiled and tender, they’re combined with the seasoned souse mixture to make a dish that can be enjoyed as a side, a light meal, or alongside other cutters like geera chicken neck.

If you enjoy traditional meat souse, this green fig version is another way to enjoy those familiar tangy flavors.

What does green fig souse taste like?

Green fig souse is tangy, savory, and slightly spicy. The lime juice gives it a refreshing tartness, while the scotch bonnet pepper adds heat depending on how much you use.

The boiled green figs have a firm, slightly starchy texture and soak up the seasoned souse liquid as they sit. Fresh chadon beni (culantro) adds its distinct herbal flavor, while the cucumber gives the dish a nice crunch.

How to make green fig souse

Ingredients notes

• Green figs: These are unripe green bananas, which are firm and starchy. They soften when boiled but should still hold their shape in the souse.
• Lime juice: Gives the souse its signature tangy flavor. Freshly squeezed lime juice works best.
• Chadon beni: Also known as culantro, this herb adds a distinct, bold flavor to the souse.
• Scotch bonnet pepper: Adds heat and flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your souse.
• Garlic and onion: Add savory flavor to the seasoned souse liquid.

Instructions

1. Prepare the green fig

Cut the ends off the green bananas and wash them thoroughly. Place them, with the skins on, in a large pot of boiling water with about 1 tablespoon of salt. Boil for approximately 25 minutes, or until tender. A fork should pierce them easily, but they should still hold their shape. Drain and allow to cool.

2. Peel and slice

Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins and slice the green figs into 1-inch rounds. Place them in a large bowl.

3. Prepare the souse

Add enough water to cover the sliced green figs. Add the lime juice, garlic, onion, chadon beni, scotch bonnet pepper, cucumber, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

4. Adjust seasoning

Taste the souse liquid and adjust the salt, lime juice, and pepper to your preference.

5. Serve

Allow the green fig souse to sit for 20 minutes to an hour so the bananas absorb the flavors of the seasoned liquid. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

• Don’t overcook the green figs. They should be fork-tender but firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
• Let them cool before peeling. Once they’re cool enough to handle, remove the skins and slice them into rounds or diagonal pieces.
• Use fresh lime juice and herbs. These give the souse its tangy, seasoned flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning. Taste the souse liquid and add more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
• Give it time to sit. Let the finished souse rest for 20 minutes to an hour so the green figs absorb the flavors.

Additional ingredients you can use

You can also customize your green fig souse with a few additional ingredients:

• Bell peppers: Add some crunch and sweetness.
• Carrots: Thinly slice them for extra texture.
• Green seasoning: Add a little for more herbal flavor.
• Chadon beni sauce: Use instead of fresh chadon beni if that’s what you have available.
• Pimento peppers: Add their distinctive pepper flavor without much heat.

Storage

Green fig souse tastes even better after it sits for a while, giving the bananas time to absorb the seasoned liquid.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the green figs submerged in the souse liquid to help maintain their flavor.

For the best texture, enjoy it within the first day or two, while the cucumbers still have some crunch. Serve chilled or allow your portion to come closer to room temperature before eating.

Related recipes

If you enjoy green fig souse, here are a few other Caribbean recipes to try:

• Chicken Foot Souse
• Cow heel souse
• Green Fig Salad
• Green fig pie
• Saltfish balls with green fig

Whether you’re making green fig souse for a gathering or just because you’re craving something tangy and peppery, it’s an easy way to enjoy green bananas with familiar Caribbean flavors.

Recipe