| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 20g | 10g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 5g | 8g | 0.6g |
I find myself irresistibly drawn to the diverse palette of flavors that the Spicy Pitogo Curry offers. A dish strangely reminiscent of both my Californian upbringing and my Gujarati heritage, this curry deliciously marries the two worlds together. Its signature ingredient – bananas (locally known as pitogo), isn’t exactly a conventional one in Gujarati cuisine, yet it adds an interesting twist, creating a punch of sweetness to balance the spice. Over the years, this Veggie delight has become a staple in our family’s dining table and is much loved by both of my sons.
Health Values Galore
However, it isn’t just the taste that’s appealing, the Spicy Pitogo Curry also packs significant health benefits. Bursting with a mix of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, this vibrant dish is particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health, an aspect that gives it an extra layer of warmth. The bananas furnish the body with essential vitamins and fiber to aid in digestion. Not to mention, the mix of garlic, onion, and spices such as turmeric and cumin, come with an array of healing properties. They are revered for their ability to boost immunity, reduce inflammation and even lessen the risk of chronic diseases, making this a dish that feels as good to consume as it tastes!
A True Fusion Fare
For anyone who’s familiar with Indian-American fusion cuisine, the Spicy Pitogo Curry may bring to mind recipes like Spicy Banana Chutney or the Thai-style Banana Curry. It’s a recipe that draws wisdom from multiple worlds yet stands distinct in its own right. The creamy coconut milk and bold spices bring in the soulfulness of Indian curries, while the use of bananas and bell peppers add in a refreshing West Coast vibe. In our household, Faisal and I love to pair this lush, fragrant curry with Garlic and Herb Pull-Apart Bread or a simple Saffron Rice.
No matter where you come from or what your food preferences are, I firmly believe that the Spicy Pitogo Curry is a welcoming dish anyone can savor. It encapsulates my love for creating fusion recipes that are equally mindful of taste, health, and cultural significance. Every mouthful is an invitation to explore a unique flavor narrative, taking you on an exciting culinary journey that I hope you’ll absolutely love.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups peeled, pitted and chopped pitogo (bananas)
- 1 medium-size red onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 small-size red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small-size green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
- 3 cups cooked rice, for serving
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel, pit, and chop your pitogo bananas. Dice your red onion and mince your garlic cloves. Thinly slice your red and green bell peppers and set them aside.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onions become transparent, this should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the peeled, pitted, and chopped pitogos to the pan. Cook them for a few minutes, so they start to become soft and slightly browned.
Step Four
Pour the coconut milk into your pan, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in your curry powder, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and salt. Cook this for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent any of the ingredients from burning.
Step Five
Next, add in your thinly sliced red and green bell peppers. Continue to cook the curry for another 5-7 minutes until the peppers become soft.
Step Six
Remove your pan from the heat and stir in your chopped fresh cilantro, fresh basil, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Taste your curry to see if it needs any additional seasonings and adjust accordingly.
Step Seven
Finally, serve your Spicy Pitogo Curry over cooked rice and enjoy a flavorful and exotic homemade meal.
