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guineitos en escabeche

Guineitos en Escabeche (Marinated Green Banana Salad)

Guineitos en escabeche is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with green bananas marinated in pickled onions, peppers, oil, and vinegar. They are typically served as a side dish during the holiday season but can be enjoyed year-round!
5 from 11 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 6 green bananas
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 red onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp pimento-stuffed olives
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp chicken bouillon Better than Bouillon
  • 1/4 tsp adobo
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground oregano
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro or parsley flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
  • Slice the ends off of the green bananas and make a slit along the skin lengthwise.
  • Add the green bananas (with the skin on) to the boiling water and add about 1/2 cup of milk. This will keep them from turning brown. Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
  • In the meantime, place a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onions, and peppers. Sauté until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the vinegar, olives, bouillon, and bay leaves. Cook on low heat for about 5 more minutes.
  • Peel the green bananas and cut into about 1/2-inch thick slices. Add them to a large bowl.
  • Pour the escabeche marinade over the green bananas and stir until well combined.
  • Add the seasonings little by little. Taste and adjust, as necessary.
  • Cover and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight. Serve and enjoy. ¡Buen provecho!

Video

Notes

Tips:

I like to add a little milk to the boiling water when I cook the green bananas. This helps to keep them from browning but it's completely optional. Not adding milk won't make much of a difference.
I also add red bell pepper instead of roasted red peppers because I think it adds more flavor. You can add either or both, it's all up to your preference!
Traditionally, whole peppercorns are added to this dish but I prefer seasoning with adobo, and other spices. My homemade adobo already contains black pepper so we're covered here in terms of flavor!
Keyword guineitos en escabeche, guineos en escabeche, Puerto Rican recipes