If your bananas are stubbornly green and refusing to turn yellow, don’t toss them out. Instead, use them as the star ingredient in these creative, practical dishes. From crispy fries to Caribbean-style sides and nutritious smoothies, here are four ways to transform unripe bananas into something you’ll actually crave.
1. Make Crispy Green Banana Fries or Chips
Green bananas are ideal for savory snacks. Slice them like you would potatoes, then fry or bake until crisp. The result is a plate of fries that’s more subtle in flavor than sweet, ripe bananas think plantain chips, but with their own unique texture. Serve with your favorite dip or just a sprinkle of sea salt for an addictive treat.
- Peel and slice green bananas into thin sticks or rounds.
- Deep-fry, air-fry, or bake with a touch of oil until golden and crispy.
- Season with salt, spices, or a squeeze of lime.
2. Try Boiled Green Bananas A Caribbean Classic
Boiled green bananas are a staple in Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine. They’re prepared with the peel on, then cooked until tender and served as a side dish or mashed like potatoes. The flavor is mild and starchy, perfect alongside eggs, dumplings, or stews.
- Wash bananas and cut off the ends. Leave the skin on for easier boiling.
- Boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Peel and eat as-is, or mash with a bit of butter and seasonings.
3. Bake Them for a Quick and Tasty Side
If you’re craving something simple, baked green bananas are fast and fuss-free. The texture is similar to roasted plantains but with a subtler taste. Toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs, then roast until golden. Serve hot as a side dish or snack.
- Peel and slice bananas into thick chunks or leave whole.
- Toss with oil, salt, and any spices you like.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) until tender and browned, about 20–30 minutes.
4. Blend Them Into a Smoothie
Got a powerful blender? Green bananas add creaminess and nutrition to smoothies, even if they’re not sweet. Pair with naturally sweet fruits like mango, peach, or berries to balance out the flavor. You’ll get all the health perks fiber, potassium, and resistant starch without tasting the “green.”
- Peel and chop banana for easier blending.
- Combine with milk or non-dairy alternative, plus sweet fruits.
- Blend until smooth. Add honey or dates for extra sweetness, if needed.
“Green bananas are far from a kitchen failure sometimes, they’re the start of a new favorite dish.”
So next time your bananas refuse to ripen, get creative and try one of these kitchen-tested ideas. You may just find yourself hoping for green bananas next grocery trip.
