Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Peru! Our "Meatless Mondays Green Split Pea Tacu Tacu with Fried Bizcochito Bananas" is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Imagine savory split pea patties, perfectly crispy on the outside, paired with sweet, golden-fried bananas that add a delightful twist to your meal. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to impress. Get ready to discover how easy it is to create this deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Peruvian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green split peas, soaked
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the green split peas thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 2 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Drain the soaked split peas and place them in a medium saucepan with fresh water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer the split peas for 25-30 minutes until they are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the peas are cooking, heat a skillet with a small amount of oil. Sauté the diced onions until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and turmeric to the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the split peas are cooked, drain any excess water and mash them slightly. Mix in the sautéed onion, garlic, and turmeric mixture.
- Form the split pea mixture into compact patties or a large flat cake, pressing firmly to help them hold together.
- In a separate frying pan, heat oil for frying the bananas. Slice the ripe bananas diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Coat the banana slices lightly in bizcochito crumbs or flour for extra crispiness, if desired.
- Fry the banana slices in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, carefully fry the split pea patties until they develop a crispy golden-brown exterior, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Plate the tacu tacu patties and arrange the fried banana slices around or on top. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, or serve with a side of spicy salsa or aji verde for added flavor.
Tips
- Soak Your Peas: For the best texture and flavor, soak your green split peas for at least 2 hours or overnight. This not only reduces cooking time but also enhances digestibility.
- Perfectly Cooked Peas: Keep an eye on the split peas as they cook. You want them tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to ensure they don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté with Care: When sautéing the onions and garlic, cook them until they are just translucent to bring out their natural sweetness without burning.
- Forming Patties: When shaping your split pea mixture into patties, make sure to press them firmly to help them hold together during frying.
- Frying Bananas: For extra crispiness, lightly coat the banana slices in bizcochito crumbs or flour before frying. This will give them a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the patties and bananas will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve your tacu tacu patties and fried bananas immediately after cooking. They taste best when they’re hot and crispy!
- Garnish and Pair: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or serve with a side of spicy salsa or aji verde to elevate the flavors even more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
