Kat-Kat Banane (Seychellois Green Banana and Fish in Coconut Milk)
Local name: Kat-kat banane
In short: Chunks of green banana and fish simmered together in a turmeric and ginger coconut sauce until the bananas turn soft and the sauce creamy. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 550 kcal
Kat-kat banane is a one-pot Creole dish from Seychelles that pairs unripe green bananas with fish in coconut milk. The bananas are starchy, not sweet, and behave like potatoes, thickening the sauce as they cook. Turmeric, ginger and a little chili season the pot. It is a filling everyday meal, usually served without rice because the bananas are the starch.
Instructions
- Oil your hands and knife. Peel the bananas by cutting off the ends and slitting the skin, then cut them into chunks and drop them in a bowl of cold water with the lime juice.
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic, ginger and turmeric and stir for 1 minute.
- Drain the bananas and add them to the pot with the coconut milk, water, chili and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the bananas are nearly tender.
- Nestle in the fish, spoon sauce over it and simmer for 8 minutes until the fish reaches 63°C (145°F) and the bananas are soft.
- Mash a few pieces of banana against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce. Taste for salt and serve hot.
Tips
- Green banana sap stains hands and clothes. Oil your hands and the knife before peeling, and soak the peeled fruit in lime water so it does not darken.
- Smoked or salted fish is a traditional variation. Soak salted fish for an hour first and cut the added salt.
Questions and answers
Can I use ripe bananas?
No. Ripe bananas turn sweet and mushy. Use firm green bananas or green plantains.
Where can I find green bananas?
In Caribbean, African, Asian and Latin grocers. Green plantains work well as a substitute.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Leave out the fish and add chickpeas or extra vegetables, and simmer for the same time.
How long does it take to make Kat-Kat Banane (Seychellois Green Banana and Fish in Coconut Milk)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kat-Kat Banane (Seychellois Green Banana and Fish in Coconut Milk)?
About 550 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
