Banana Guacamole
I really need to pick up my own copy of Eat Me by Kenny Shopsin of Shopsin’s (read the background story here). I read a friend’s copy, and absolutely loved Kenny’s explanation of how he deconstructs dishes and puts them together in unexpected but perfectly reasonable (once he explains them to you, that is) permutations. It actually reminded me a lot of this conversation from Off the Bone about alienating falafel from its Middle Eastern context and thinking of it as a savory herb and chickpea fritter instead.
And if that weren’t enough, here you can find a post with a link to an mp3 of a cute little girl reading the full list of pancakes on the Shopsin’s insanely long menu.
This dish is based on the bit in the book where Kenny mentions that he started making banana guacamole when he realized that green bananas are much like avocados, really. His recipe? Pick your favorite guacamole recipe, and use bananas instead of avocados. That’s it.
So, that’s what we did. We put together a guacamole recipe that we liked, and used ripe bananas instead of green ones to create a dip that’s something between guacamole and banana ketchup. If you have your own guacamole recipe, or want to cut down on the sweetness and use green bananas instead, give it a try and let us know how it goes!
Honestly, I don’t really tend to like the food at Shopsin’s. I want to, because it’s brilliant and charming and they used to have a copy of Pynchon’s Gravity Rainbow in the windowsill to read while waiting for your order, but it never really worked for me. The stories and ideas, however, really do.
In other news, I finally put together a site that consolidates all my various writings, galleries, arts, and activities. It’s up here. Which means that I’ll finally keep Habeas to food alone, and put my glasswork and beekeeping stories &c over there instead.
(Yeah, did I mention that I’m a beekeeper now? I have bees!)
Archives
2008: Ramp Udon Soup with Bacon Consommé and Asparagus Tempura
2007: Banana Rum Ketchup
2006: Ramp Butter
Banana Guacamole
4 ripe bananas
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 small hot pepper, seeds and ribs removed, minced (or to taste)
2 tbsp red palm oil
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
juice of 2 limes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Mash the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle. Adjust seasonings to taste.
You could blend them instead if you prefer, but using the cruder tools gives you a chunkier, more satisfying texture.
Very interesting and different! I’m very curious to try!
Hmm. I’m dubious, but OK! I’ve made edamole, with edamame instead of avocados, and that was tasty. The recipe was courtesy of Running with Tweezers.
Congrats on the bees! I started keeping them last year, after Denver legalized them. This year has been totally swarm-crazy, too. It’s fun to catch them, and honey is a nice pay-off.
I’m not seeing how bananas are like avocados, but ok, this might be interesting.
I can’t say as I’ve heard of this before. My husband loves bananas though, so I’ll give it a try.
Thanks, Suzanne
Wow this sounds really interesting, I will have to try it next time I want guacamole. And I can sort of see how bananas are a little like avocados…
It sure is easier to tell how ripe a banana is vs. an avocado! Have you ever tried plantains? This is intriguing. There’s no reason one can’t substitute ingredients. I’ve made hummus from various beans, with slightly different results, sometimes based on texture and appearance. Black bean hummus not so appealing but good.
Good news! Foodista is inviting you to attend this year’s International Food Blogger Conference in Seattle on August 27-29! There also are sponsorships offered that you can take advantage of! For more information, check this page out.
Hope to see you there! Keep on blogging. :-)
Looks wonderful. Great reading your post as well.
I wish i could give a bite right now so yummy
i don’t think i’ve ever seen anything like this before! fantastic idea, and it looks delicious!
My attention was caught with the image you have presented here. I actually thought that it’s a Mexican tortilla because I love tacos, nachos, tortilla and other Mexican foods. But when I realized that nachos can also be dipped in Banana Guacamole, I love the idea that it can be matched with other tastes aside from spicy sauce. Really cool, unique and definitely a delicious treat!
Hi,
Banana Guacamole is looking delicious. This dish is very easy to prepare. Thanks for posting this delicious recipe .