Eel, a Highly Nutritious and Healthful Food
On average, eels measure between 20-40 cm in length, although larger specimens have been observed. In Nghe An, eel is not only a famous delicacy, but it is also used to prepare a savory eel soup.
Beyond soup, eel can be transformed into a variety of captivating dishes, such as braised eel, grilled eel, steamed eel, eel porridge, eel broth, eel noodles, and eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans. Each eel dish offers a distinct and delectable flavor. During periods of fluctuating weather, with chilly mornings and sweltering afternoons, preparing a pot of eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans for the entire family makes for an excellent choice.
The hot and flavorful eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans, featuring tender eel meat, soft ripe bananas, and a harmonious blend of betel leaves, Vietnamese basil, and other herbs, enchants both the palate and the senses. This dish can be enjoyed with rice or noodles, either of which complements its taste.
If you’re unfamiliar with the art of preparing eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans, let us guide you with the following recipe.
To ensure a flavorful and odorless eel dish, meticulous care must be taken during preparation. You may request the fishmonger to remove the eel’s bones, then deslime and thoroughly rinse it with salt upon returning home. Scrupulously removing blood and slime ensures a fragrant and untainted flavor in the cooked dish.
To ensure a flavorful and odorless eel dish, meticulous care must be taken during preparation.
Ingredients for Braised Eel with Unripe Bananas and Fermented Soybeans:
– 2 to 3 eels
– 500 grams of pork belly
– 200 grams of ground pork shoulder
– 3 firm tofu, golden fried
– 4 unripe bananas
– Spices: black pepper, seasoning powder, salt, fish sauce
– 1 bunch of betel leaves
– 1/2 bunch of Vietnamese basil
– 1 small bunch of green onions
– 5-7 shallots
– 1-2 cloves of garlic
– 1 small cup of fermented soybean paste and sour vinegar
– Side dishes and noodles: banana blossoms, coriander, lettuce, and other greens according to preference
Eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans is made with simple ingredients.
Preparing Odorless Eel Braised with Unripe Bananas and Fermented Soybeans:
– Initially, season the ground pork with black pepper, seasoning powder, minced shallots, and the green tops of the green onions.
– Cut the eel into pieces approximately 5-6 cm in length, then roll each piece in the spiced ground pork mixture.
– Sauté the rolled eel until the surface becomes a crispy golden brown, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
– Cut the pork belly into thin slices and sauté to remove excess fat, continuing until the edges of the meat begin to brown.
– Peel the unripe bananas and cut them into 3-4 cm segments, then soak them in fermented soybean paste water to prevent discoloration. Rinse them and marinate them with a spoonful of turmeric powder and a cup of fermented soybean paste. Sauté the bananas with fried onions and garlic.
– Add salt and seasoning powder to a pot, pour in approximately 2.5-3 liters of water, and simmer. When the water boils, add the prepared eel bones to enhance the flavor of the broth. Cover and simmer the bananas for about 30 minutes, then add the sautéed eel, fried tofu, and pork belly, braising for another 25-30 minutes until the eel is tender and well seasoned.
– While still hot, remove some of the braised bananas, mash them, and return them to the pot to thicken the sauce.
– Finally, once the eel meat has softened, adjust the seasonings to taste, add a cup of sour vinegar, a spoonful of fish sauce, a spoonful of MSG, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Before turning off the heat, gently stir in the green onions, betel leaves, and Vietnamese basil. Serve in bowls with noodles and fresh side dishes.
Eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans is a flavorful dish that will captivate anyone’s taste buds.
Although eel braised with unripe bananas and fermented soybeans requires several preparation steps, its rich flavor and aromatic fragrance are sure to delight all who partake.
3 Delicious Dishes to Add Excitement to Your New Year’s Feast
Farewell to the old year, welcome the new year, don’t forget to treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious and nutritious dishes.
