Puti Taba
Boiled Green Bananas
A simple yet comforting dish of boiled green bananas, a staple food in Timor-Leste. The bananas are cooked until tender and typically served warm, with their skins on or peeled, as a side dish or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 medium Green bananas(Choose firm, completely unripe bananas. They should feel hard to the touch and have no yellowing or soft spots. Keep the skins on for boiling.)
- enough to cover Water(Approximately 6-8 cups, depending on pot size.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Optional, to enhance flavor and help tenderize the bananas.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the green bananas under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Do not peel them.
- 2
Place the washed, unpeeled green bananas into a medium-sized pot. Ensure the pot is large enough to hold the bananas comfortably in a single layer if possible.
- 3
Add enough fresh water to completely cover the bananas by at least 1 inch (about 2.5 cm). If using salt, stir it into the water now. The water level should be sufficient to keep the bananas submerged as they cook.
- 4
Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a vigorous simmer. The water should continue to bubble actively but not violently.
- 5
Simmer the bananas for 20-25 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and density of the bananas. They are ready when they feel tender when pierced with a fork or skewer through the skin. The skins will likely turn dark brown or black and may split slightly, which is normal.
- 6
Carefully drain the hot water from the pot using a colander or by holding a lid slightly ajar. Allow the bananas to cool in the colander for about 5-10 minutes, until they are comfortable to handle.
- 7
Serve the Puti Taba warm. To eat, you can either peel the softened skin away with a knife or your fingers, or simply cut the banana in half and scoop out the flesh. It is traditionally enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to savory dishes like grilled fish or meat stews.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using truly unripe, firm green bananas is crucial for achieving the correct starchy texture. Overripe or yellowing bananas will become mushy.
- ✓The dark color of the skins after boiling is a sign of proper cooking and does not affect the edible flesh inside.
- ✓If you prefer a saltier flavor, you can lightly salt the cooked banana flesh after peeling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, serve with a drizzle of fresh coconut milk or a sprinkle of toasted grated coconut.
- Mash the cooked banana flesh with a pinch of salt and a small knob of butter (if available) for a simple, creamy side dish.
- Serve alongside a spicy sambal or chili paste for a contrasting flavor profile.