Repe Lojano (Loja Creamy Green Banana, Pea & Cilantro Soup) – Authentic Ecuador Recipe
Southern Andean specialty from Loja where simmered green bananas create an ultra-creamy herb soup.
- Country of Origin
- 🇪🇨 Ecuador (South America, Americas)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Unripe green bananas or plantains, Tender green peas, Crumbled queso fresco, Lots of fresh cilantro, White onion
Ingredients for Repe Lojano (Loja Creamy Green Banana, Pea & Cilantro Soup) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) unripe green bananas or plantains, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups tender green peas, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lots of fresh cilantro
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Ecuador seasoning (white onion, garlic, cumin)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and lots of fresh cilantro for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in white onion, garlic, cumin and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Ecuador's kitchen.
- Add unripe green bananas or plantains and tender green peas, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in crumbled queso fresco, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.