Banana skins: a secret ingredient

When Nigella Lawson made a banana skin curry on Cook, Eat, Repeat there was a lot of consternation in the media and on social media. However, perhaps we shouldn't knock it until we have tried it.

A little research revealed that banana skins are eaten in Asia and other parts of the world. There are many health benefits to eating banana skins;

• high in soluble fibre (keeps you feeling fuller for longer) and insoluble fibre (good for bowel movements),

• rich in potassium and contain traces of other minerals including zinc, copper and fluoride,

• contains many B vitamins - B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin)

• plus more

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry

To prepare the banana skins place in boiling water with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and a1/2 teaspoon of salt. Leave to cool.

For the curry paste

• 2 red onion

• 1 cm fresh ginger

• 4 big cloves of garlic

• 1 red chilli

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• lemon juice from 1/2 lemon

• coriander stalks

Blitz all ingredients together.

All of these quantities can be altered to suit your own families tastes and come up with your own unique blend.

For the Curry

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 can of coconut milk

• 1 can of chickpeas

• 1 head of cauliflower

• 3-4 banana skins

• sugar

• salt

• coriander leaves for garnish.

Cut the cauliflower head into large florets and the banana skins into bite size strips.

1. Drain the chickpeas

2. Add the coconut oil to a pan and melt. Add the curry paste and sauté until it comes together.

3. Add tomato puree, mix into the paste and continue to sauté.

4. Slowly add the coconut milk and incorporate into the paste. Add the chickpeas, cauliflower florets and banana skins.

5. Add sugar and salt to taste.

6. If necessary a little water can be added to help steam the cauliflower. Stir occasionally.

7. It is ready when the cauliflower is cooked.

8. To serve sprinkle chopped coriander leaves (we forgot the coriander)

9. Have some plain yogurt at the read if members of our family need it a bit cooler. Serve with naan or rice.

Family Verdict - 3/4 loved it (5 stars), 1/4 thought it was okay. It was a filling and delicious meal.

Inspired by Cook, Eat, Repeat (Nigella Lawson)