Making daily meals for the camp can produce a lot of waste if you’re not careful, but there are several ways you can avoid excessive waste by preparing food a certain way.
Cooking with banana leaves is not only versatile, it is more environmentally friendly than cooking with aluminum foil or disposable vessels. And the best part — little or no dishes to clean up afterward! All it takes is a little preparation beforehand to enjoy some savory banana leaf cooking.
Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves
Like the popular camp method of using aluminum foil to enclose and cook an item, banana leaves are a sustainable alternative that actually impart flavor into your dish, whether it be meat or vegetables. To prepare your banana leaves for cooking a fish, you’ll need:
- Fillets of a firm fish, such as catfish, salmon, or tilapia
- Herbs, spices, and seasonings to flavor the fish
- Vegetables
- One banana leaf for each fillet
Prepare the banana leaf by wiping it down with a damp towel. The oils in the banana leaf are sufficient to keep it from igniting in the fire, but a little extra dampness won’t hurt. Place your fillet in the center of the banana leaf, and season with your choice of herbs and spices. Add vegetables if desired. Fold the banana leaf around the fillet into a square pocket, and secure the sides with toothpicks. Place on hot coals for 8-10 minutes to steam contents. Pull off coals with an oven mitt or tongs, and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Open the packet and enjoy right out of the leaf.
Grilling With Banana Leaves
Because of their resistance to flame, banana leaves also make a surface for grilling and frying, especially delicate fishes and smaller items that may fall through the grill. Plus, as the banana leaf heats, it releases a smoky flavor into your dish, giving it a unique flavor you can’t get from foil or a pan. Just place a banana leaf on the grill and cook your food right on top it it — done deal!
Banana leaves can be purchased at a Latin American or Asian grocery store, usually found in the freezer section. You’ll get a large package of leaves for only a few dollars, and the unused leaves can be re-frozen for future use. If you’re looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly cooking alternative for camp meals, why not give banana leaves a try?
Now that you’re a pro at cooking with banana, hop on over to 3 Easy Recipes for Campfire Cooking or 3 Simple Dutch Oven Mexican Recipes to become a five star outdoor chef!
Featured Image from Studio Kealaula/Unsplash