Chicken Banana Curry From South Africa
A flavorful South African chicken and banana curry blending savory spices with sweet bananas, perfect for those seeking a unique, comforting dish with a hint of tropical sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 to 4 bananas, mashed ⓘ
- 1/4 pt. cream ⓘ
- 1 large onion, grated ⓘ
- approximately 2 Tbsp. curry powder ⓘ
- sugar and salt to taste ⓘ
- 2 to 4 tomatoes, peeled and seeded ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato juice (optional) ⓘ
- 2 c. cut up cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Grate the onion and sauté it in butter or margarine.
- Add curry powder and fry for 1 minute.
- Stir in mashed bananas, peeled and seeded tomatoes, sugar, and salt; cook until combined.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook briefly.
- Slowly add chicken stock, milk, and cream while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add lemon juice and tomato juice (if using).
- Fold in the cooked chicken chunks and heat thoroughly.
- Serve with white rice and buttered thin bread slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of regular cream. If you prefer a sweeter curry, consider adding a touch of honey along with the bananas. You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a variation. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes along with the curry powder.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Banana Curry pairs beautifully with white rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with buttered thin bread slices for a delightful contrast. For a refreshing side, consider a simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables. A dollop of yogurt on top can also enhance the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the curry on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but be cautious not to overheat, as this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Banana Curry From South Africa contains roughly 482 calories, with 15g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bananas instead of mashed ones?
Yes, fresh bananas can be used, but they should be mashed or blended to ensure they combine well with the other ingredients. This will help achieve a smoother consistency in the curry.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken Banana Curry is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare the curry and store it in individual portions. It reheats well and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or cooked lentils. Both options will add protein and work well with the flavors of the curry. You can also use tofu for a different texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).