Ntrovi ya Nazi

Name: Ntrovi ya Nazi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Comorian
Ingredients: 6 green bananas, peeled and halved; 300ml coconut milk; 1 small onion, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup water

Ntrovi ya Nazi (nn-TROH-vee yah NAH-zee)

Green Banana in Coconut

⏱ Prep Time 10 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 261 kcal

Green bananas peeled and simmered in seasoned coconut milk until they absorb the creamy sauce, becoming soft and subtly sweet. A staple carbohydrate dish that pairs with everything on the Comorian table.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 3.0g

Carbs 42.0g

Fat 9.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

saucepan knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: shallow bowl

Garnishes: coconut milk drizzle

Accompaniments: fish curry, mataba

Ingredients

6 green bananas, peeled and halved
300ml coconut milk
1 small onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water

Instructions

1
Peel green bananas by scoring the skin lengthwise and pulling it away. Cut each banana in half.
2
Place bananas in a saucepan with onion, turmeric, salt, and water.
3
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4
Add coconut milk and continue simmering for another 15 minutes until bananas are tender and sauce is creamy.
5
Serve warm as a side dish with fish or meat.

💡

Did You Know?

Comorian cooks test green bananas for cooking readiness by how difficult they are to peel. If the skin clings tightly and resists, the banana is perfectly starchy and ideal. If it peels easily, it is too ripe for this dish.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

saucepan
knife

Garnishing

coconut milk drizzle

Accompaniments

fish curry, mataba

The Story Behind Ntrovi ya Nazi

Green bananas have been a staple food in the Comoros since the early settlement of the islands. The combination with coconut milk is a natural pairing given the abundance of both plantain varieties and coconut palms across the archipelago.

This dish serves the same role as potatoes or bread in other cuisines: a filling, neutral-flavored base that absorbs the flavors of accompanying sauces and stews.

Ntrovi ya nazi remains essential to everyday Comorian eating, prepared in virtually every household and served at nearly every meal alongside fish, meat, or vegetable dishes.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch and dinner 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial era

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