Entree: Norfolk Island – Green Banana Stew (Hearty stew of unripe green bananas simmered with pork, tomatoes, and island aromatics)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
55 min
Total
1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 6 medium green bananas, peeled and halved (about 1.25 lb / 570 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1.5 cups / 360 g)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk (optional for a creamier stew)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp (1 g) dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- 1 tsp (5 g) sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season pork pieces with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Brown pork in batches until nicely seared, about 4–6 minutes per batch; transfer browned pork to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and carrots; cook 3–4 minutes to break down the tomatoes. Return the pork to the pot.
4. Add broth, coconut milk (if using), thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook gently for 30 minutes.
5. Add the peeled and halved green bananas to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Continue to simmer, uncovered, 20–25 minutes until bananas and pork are tender and flavors meld. Stir gently to avoid breaking the bananas.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, and lime juice. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.
