Raw plantains evoke memories of childhood days. Raw bananas hanging heavy on the tree; every part of the banana plant used in daily life. Nothing wasted.

Plantain vs. Green Banana vs. Yellow Banana??

Banana vs. Plantain

Are you confused between plantains vs. bananas? Fear not. You are not alone. Let me see if I can clarify a few things here.

Although they look a lot like green bananas and are a close relative, plantains are very different. Plantains are starchy, not sweet, and they are used as a vegetable in many recipes, especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa. If you see plantains when they are overripe, they may have started to turn yellow or black.

You could eat a ripe banana as a great, raw on-the-go-snack. Plantains aren’t usually eaten raw because of the high starch content. Plantains are sold in the fresh produce section of the supermarket – Asian and Hispanic markets are sure places to find them. They usually resemble green bananas. Ripe plantains may be black in color. Plantains are larger than bananas and they have thicker skins. They also have natural brown spots and rough areas.

Mature, yellow plantains can be peeled like typical yellow bananas. The pulp is softer than in immature, green fruit and some of the starch has been converted to sugar. They can be eaten raw, but are not as flavorful as yellow bananas, so are usually cooked. When mature, yellow plantains are fried, they tend to caramelize, turning a golden-brown color. They can also be boiled, baked, microwaved or grilled over charcoal, either peeled or unpeeled. Plantains are also dried and ground into flour. You can find banana flour in stores like Whole Foods or online.

You can think of green bananas as in between yellow bananas and plantains. They are also used in food preparation as starchy vegetables. When deciding if you want a yellow banana, a green banana and a plantain, remember this: they all taste different and have special uses.

Kuruku Kaalan

In India, the southern states, especially Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu use plantains in their everyday cuisine. Wikipedia has some interesting facts of plantain usage all over the world.

My recipe today is traditionally made in Kerala and is called Kuruku Kaalan. Recently, I had the urge to eat it, after having feasted on it at several of my Malayali friends’ homes in the past. When I looked up the recipe online, it seemed very complex for the short amount of time I had on hand. So, here’s my own version of the curry. It came out really good tasting, so I urge you to try it out for yourself.

This curry tastes excellent with rice, quinoa or chapathis, served with a side of pickles. I like to eat it by itself, in order to experience the full flavor.

This recipe is part of our banana series. For other recipes on our website check out our:

• Banana Flower Curry
• Banana-Avocado Smoothie
• Chia Seed Pudding
• Zucchini Banana Bread
• Raw Banana Potato Sauté
• Crispy, Delicious Banana Nuggets
• Banana Stem Curry
• Crunchy, Baked Plantain Chips

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3.40 from 5 votes

Raw Plantain With Yogurt Curry

My recipe today is traditionally made in Kerala and is called Kuruku Kaalan. When I looked up the recipe online, it seemed very complex for the short amount of time I had on hand. So, here’s my own version of the curry. It came out really good tasting, so I urge you to try it out for yourself.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Keyword Coconut, Curry Leaves, Fenugreek, Kuruku Kaalan, Plantain, Raw Banana, sadya, Yogurt

Special Diet Gluten Free, Grain Free, No Added Sugar, Nut Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 4 People

Calories 412kcal

Equipment

• Peeler
• Bamboo Cutting Board
• Kitchen Knife
• Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Vitamix

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds Raw Banana - Plantains
• 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper - Powder
• 4 Medium Dry Red Chili - Vary by spice level
• 1 Sprig Curry Leaves
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - Or to taste
• 1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder

Masala Ingredients

• 1/4 Teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds - Methi Seeds
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 3 Medium Green Chili Pepper - Vary by spice level
• 2 Tablespoons Grated Coconut
• 2 Cups Yogurt - or Buttermilk

Instructions

• Cut the tops and bottoms off the raw plantains and peel the outer skin off (the peels make great addition to your compost bin). Don’t worry if the plantains start to turn black. Cut into 1 inch cubes and set aside.
  
• To make the Masala: Dry roast the fenugreek seeds for 2 minutes on medium heat. Grind coconut, green chilies, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds with yogurt or buttermilk. Do not add water while grinding.
  
• Heat pan and add coconut oil. When hot, splutter mustard seeds, then add red chillies, curry leaves, and pepper powder. Sauté for a minute.
  
• Add the chopped raw banana pieces, add ¼ cup water (to prevent sticking to bottom), cover the pan and cook until plantain pieces are tender, but not mushy. About 5-7 minutes. Add turmeric and salt.
  
• Finally add the ground masala, stir well, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 3- 4 minutes. Serve hot with rice or rotis.
  

Notes

This curry tastes excellent with rice, quinoa or chapathis, served with a side of pickles. I like to eat it by itself, in order to experience the full flavor.

*Use organic ingredients wherever possible

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Raw Plantain With Yogurt Curry

Amount per Serving

Calories

412

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

10

g

15

%

Cholesterol

 

16

mg

5

%

Sodium

 

309

mg

13

%

Potassium

 

1472

mg

42

%

Carbohydrates

 

83

g

28

%

Fiber

 

6

g

25

%

Sugar

 

42

g

47

%

Protein

 

8

g

16

%

Vitamin A

 

950

IU

19

%

Vitamin C

 

125.4

mg

152

%

Calcium

 

160

mg

16

%

Iron

 

2.2

mg

12

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.