Archive for September, 2009
Banana Blossoms are also known as Banana Hearts, Banana Flowers and a host of other names.
I am lucky enough to have a huge banana plant growing in my front garden, and better still, we all get to eat the blossoms once the fruits have emerged. Removing the blossom from under the cluster (the fruits) also helps the bananas grow faster as the blossom is no longer there to take the water, hence allowing the fruits to absorb more.
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Underneath the outer crimson layer are the softer leaves.
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Under the softer layer (bracts) you can find the male flower stems.
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I would like to share with you the recipe for one of my Signature Dishes. 
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This dish has been on my menu since the beginning of my culinary adventure in Spain, and remains our most ordered Starter.
The translation of “Goong Che Nam Pa” would be “Fish Sauce Soaked Prawns”, which doesn’t sound so inviting to the palate! In fact the prawns are not marinated in purely Fish Sauce!, that would be far too salty, instead they are soused in a special salty-sweet-sour dressing.
The traditional version of this dish has the prawns butterflied, briefly marinated and served with various condiments. To make it more adaptable to our diners palates I decided to have the prawns served paper thin, similar to a Carpaccio and added new condiments that would complement the interesting and natural sweetness of the prawns.
There are various stages of preparation and method required for this dish, but do not be put off by the long list of ingredients and instructions. Once everything has been made, it only takes a few minutes to get the dish ready for serving. Every component can be made in advance and kept frozen or chilled until needed.
The recipe is for five servings, though the recipes for the Dressing and Crystal Shallots will produce far more than what is needed, however these can be stored in the fridge, the Sauce for ten days and the Crystal Shallots for up to three weeks.