Blablá São-Tomense (Green Banana, Taro, Leafy Green & Herb Pot) – Authentic São Tomé and Príncipe Recipe

Ingredients for Blablá São-Tomense (Green Banana, Taro, Leafy Green & Herb Pot) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) sliced green cooking bananas and taro/potato, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups abundant leafy greens and okra, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup savory tomato-palm broth
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with island sweet basil
• 1.5 tbsp traditional São Tomé and Príncipe seasoning (garlic, ginger, onion)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and island sweet basil for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, onion and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of São Tomé and Príncipe's kitchen.
3. Add sliced green cooking bananas and taro/potato and abundant leafy greens and okra, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in savory tomato-palm broth, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.