Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4–6
Give your food scraps new life with this Banana Peel Chutney recipe, a flavorful, spicy-sweet condiment that transforms banana peels into a delicious, sustainable side. Popular in parts of India and Sri Lanka, this zero-waste dish proves that even the most overlooked kitchen scraps can become bold, nutrient-rich additions to your meals.
📜 The Story Behind Banana Peel Chutney
“Nothing wasted, everything honored—that’s the power of ancestral cooking.”
In many South Asian kitchens, the concept of “waste” doesn’t exist in the same way it does in modern food systems. From beet stems to mango seeds, almost every part of a plant is creatively used. Banana Peel Chutney (Vazhai Tholi Thuvaiyal in Tamil) is a product of that philosophy: a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment made by sautéing and grinding softened banana peels with coconut, chilies, and tamarind.
Beyond reducing waste, banana peels are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants—adding both texture and nutrition to this deceptively simple dish.
Ingredients for Banana Peel Chutney
☑️ Peels of 2 ripe (but firm) bananas, washed and chopped
☑️ 2 tsp oil (coconut or sesame preferred)
☑️ 1 tsp mustard seeds
☑️ 1 dried red chili (or ½ tsp chili flakes)
☑️ 1 tbsp grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
☑️ 1 small piece of tamarind (or ½ tsp paste)
☑️ ½ tsp jaggery or brown sugar
☑️ Salt to taste
Optional Add-ins:
☑️ Curry leaves
☑️ A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
☑️ Roasted urad dal or chana dal for extra depth
👩🍳 How to Make Banana Peel Chutney
🥄 Step 1: Prep the Peels
1️⃣ Wash banana peels thoroughly. Remove the stringy fibers and chop finely.
2️⃣ Boil in water for 5–7 minutes until soft, then drain.
🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients
1️⃣ Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, red chili, and curry leaves (if using).
2️⃣ Add softened banana peels, coconut, and tamarind. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in jaggery and salt.
🌶️ Step 3: Blend to Chutney
1️⃣ Let the mixture cool, then blend into a smooth or slightly coarse paste.
2️⃣ Adjust seasoning and enjoy!
💖 Why You’ll Love Banana Peel Chutney
This Banana Peel Chutney recipe brings sustainability and flavor together beautifully:
☑️ A delicious way to reduce kitchen waste
☑️ Full of fiber, minerals, and natural sweetness
☑️ Spicy, tangy, and versatile—great with rice, roti, or toast
☑️ Rooted in traditional South Asian zero-waste cooking
“When you honor the whole ingredient, you honor the earth, too.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
