Bananas with Split Green Peas

Bananas with Split Green Peas is a traditional Rwandan recipe for a classic dish made with split green peas and bananas fried in palm oil. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Rwandan version of: Bananas with Split Green Peas.

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

120 minutes

Total Time:

140 minutes

Serves:

Rating:

Tags : Vegetarian Recipes Bean Recipes Rwanda Recipes

Rwanda has several European food influences that include potatoes and green peas. Green peas are used both dried as split green peas and as fresh peas. This dish can be prepared with either cooked split green peas or with steamed fresh peas. If using fresh peas, omit the split green peas cooking instructions and just add the steamed peas to the fried green bananas near the end of cooking.

Ingredients:

400g dried split green peas, soaked over night (or use 500g steamed fresh or frozen peas)
4 green bananas, peeled
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp palm oil (or groundnut oil with 2 tsp paprika)
1 small onion, thinly sliced

Method:

Add the peas to a pan cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender (about 90 minutes). When the peas are done peel the bananas and lay them whole on top of the peas (do not mix). Continue to cook the mixture for about 15 minutes until the bananas are very soft. Add a little water if necessary to prevent the peas from sticking to the base of the pot.

Meanwhile heat the palm oil in a frying pan that's large enough to hold the peas and bananas. Brown the onions in the oil. Then, with a slotted spoon, remove the bananas and peas from the first pot and add to the onions. Sprinkle in the salt and continue to cook, over medium heat, stirring gently but constantly until all the oil has been absorbed. Serve immediately.