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Neven’s Recipe’s – Chicken satay with pickled cucumber salad – Marty in the Morning @rte lyric fm

My brother, Kenneth, loves Asian food and he is in no doubt that he is far better than me at cooking it! I don’t disagree. He is proud of this chicken satay dish and often makes it for the family. This dipping sauce also works well with pork, prawns, beef strips or turkey. And remember, kids just love anything on sticks!

SERVES 4

  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp clear honey
  • 2 tsp medium curry powder
  • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into long strips

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD:

  • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

  • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 x 160ml (5½fl oz) tin of coconut milk (Thai Gold, if possible)
  • ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 To make the dipping sauce, place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light brown sugar and lime juice. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2 Soak 8 x 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a griddle pan until it’s smoking hot or light a barbecue.

3 Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for 2 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers and arrange on the barbecue. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until completely tender and cooked through. If using a griddle pan, reduce the heat to medium as soon as you’ve put the skewers on.

4 Meanwhile, to prepare the pickled cucumber salad, place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until both have dissolved. Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine, and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. 5 To serve, arrange 2 chicken satay skewers on each warmed plate. Divide the dipping sauce among individual bowls and place to the side of the skewers. Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid, to serve.

Butter Chicken

Swap your usual takeaway curry for this homemade chicken makhana, which combines marinated chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. This is an authentic Indian curry with its origins in Delhi, where it was first made to use up pieces of leftover tandoori chicken.

Serves 4–6

  • 500g skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • juice and finely grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp mild curry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 red chilli, seeded
  • 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 20g fresh coriander
  • 400ml passata (Italian sieved tomatoes)
  • 120ml cream
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a bowl and stir in half the lemon juice with a good pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the curry seasoning, the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix to combine, then season generously with pepper. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days in the fridge.

Heat the rest of the oil and a knob of the butter in a wok or skillet over a high heat, and quickly sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, transferring with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl as you go. Add the onions to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to caramelise.

Tip in the garlic, chilli and ginger, then add another knob of the butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Chop the stalks from the coriander and add them to the pan with the rest of the curry seasoning and another knob of the butter. Toast for a few minutes until very fragrant. Pour the passata into the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the cream and the rest of the lemon juice.

Transfer to a blender and blend until you have a very smooth sauce. Return to the pan and add the chicken with any juices and reheat gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Season to taste, then fold in the lemon rind with the rest of the butter and the coriander leaves, reserving a few sprigs to garnish. Transfer to bowls and garnish with the coriander sprigs.

SERVE WITH … This mild and creamy curry is sure to please all tastes. Make some Homemade Flatbreads, perhaps brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling with black onion seeds. A bowl of Pilau Rice completes the meal, alongside some spiced mango chutney, mint raita and lime pickle.

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Flahavan’s White Chocolate Drizzled Berry Oat Bars


flahavans
Take a break from the pre-Christmas prep and bake up a batch of these moreish White Chocolate Drizzled Berry Oat Bars – the perfect snack to enjoy in front of your favourite family movie this afternoon 🙂 #FlahavansOats

Serves 12 Oat Bars|Takes 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 tbsp coconut oil
2–3 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp nut butter
200g Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets
50g blueberries
50g raspberries, cut in half

Drizzle:
50g Butlers White Chocolate with Coconut & Almond Bar
1 tsp coconut oil

Method:

Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C Fan/325°F/Gas Mark 3) and line
a 20cm (8 inch) square baking tin with parchment paper.

Melt the coconut oil, maple syrup and nut butter together in a
large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until
the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from the
heat, then add the oats and stir to coat thoroughly. Gently fold
in the berries.

Spread the mixture into the prepared baking tin, then press
firmly with the back of a large spoon so the mixture is even
and well packed. Bake until the sides start to turn golden
brown, about 18–22 minutes.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely in the
baking tin. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Prepare the drizzle by melting the white chocolate with
coconut and almond in the microwave in 10–15 second bursts,
stirring in between, until the chocolate has mostly melted.

Remove from the microwave and stir until the residual heat
has melted the remaining chocolate. Add the coconut oil and
stir until the drizzle is smooth. Drizzle over the top of the bars
with a spoon.

Remove from the tin, then use a large sharp knife to cut into
bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Flahavan’s Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe!

flahavans If you’re looking for ways to spice up your coffee this Autumn then look no further than our very own oaty Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe!
Our Oat Drinks are smooth and refreshing with a subtle oaty taste and will add the perfect amount of creaminess and wholesome goodness to your seasonal inspired coffee! #FlahavansOats #IrelandsOatExperts
Flahavans Spiced Pumpkin Latte
Ingredients:
2 tbs Pumpkin Puree
1 tsp Honey
½ tsp Pumpkin Spice blend
250 ml Flahavans Barista Oat Drink
50ml Strong Coffee
Whipped cream for topping (optional)

To make a Pumpkin Puree:
To steam the pumpkin – peel and seed it, then cut into evenly sized cubes. Put the cubes in a steamer or colander set over a pan of simmering water and cook for 10-`15 mins (until softened and cooked through). Mash and leave to cool.

Pumpkin Spice Blend:
Blend 1 tbs mixed spice and ½ tsp allspice. Mix well.
Mix the pumpkin puree, spices, honey and oat drink in a pan and heat to a simmer. Using an electric milk frother or whisk, whisk for 30-45 secs or until oat drink mixture has a froth. Pour the hot coffee into a latte glass or mug, then add the spiced pumpkin drink. Top with cream, if using, then dust with a little more pumpkin spice.
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Anna Haugh and Angela Scanlon hit it off😁 😂 😀 fun,food in Belmullet as Anna makes a mussels sandwich – Anna’s Big Irish Food Tour

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15 Health Benefits of Raw Bananas and Why You Should Eat Them

By Dr. Tarique Naiyer Jamil in Internal Medicine

Mar 21, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. What Are Raw Bananas?
  2. 15 Health Benefits of Raw Bananas
  3. How to Eat Raw Bananas?
  4. Final Thoughts
  5. FAQs
  6. Citations

When you think of bananas, you probably imagine the ripe, sweet ones. But raw bananas—the unripe variety—are just as powerful when it comes to health benefits. Unlike their sweet friends, they’re packed with resistant starch, fibre, and essential nutrients that make them a game-changer for digestion, weight management, and overall health.

From supporting gut health to keeping blood sugar in check, the benefits of raw bananas are seriously underrated. In this blog, we’ll discuss the banana’s nutritional value, top health benefits, and the best ways to include it in your diet.

What Are Raw Bananas?

Raw bananas are merely unripe green bananas that are starchier, tougher, and less sweet than bananas when they are ripe. They’re popular in Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cooking, usually cooked into flavorful dishes, stir-fries, or even fried as chips.

What makes them special? It’s the amazing nutrients in raw bananas. The banana’s raw nutrition consists of:

  • Resistant starch – A special fibre that enhances digestion and aids in weight loss.
  • Potassium – Sustains muscle and heart function.
  • Vitamin C – Increases immunity and skin.
  • Vitamin B6 – Required for brain function and metabolism.
  • Magnesium – Aids muscle repair and bone development.

With so many nutrients in raw bananas, it’s little wonder that the benefits of eating raw bananas translate to numerous areas of health.

15 Health Benefits of Raw Bananas

Below are 15 awesome health benefits of raw bananas and why you should consume raw bananas daily:

1. Promotes Gut Health

One of the greatest benefits of raw bananas is that they enhance digestion. The resistant starch in raw bananas serves as a prebiotic, i.e., it provides the good bacteria in your stomach. These beneficial bacteria are responsible for food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and inhibiting bloating, gas, and constipation. [1] A proper gut microbiome also enhances immunity and inhibits digestive disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

2. Promotes Weight Loss

When dieting for weight reduction, raw bananas are to your rescue. The fibre and resistant starch content of raw bananas keep you satiated for longer, doing away with unwanted snacking. As opposed to ripe bananas, which contain more sugar, raw bananas contain complex carbohydrates, which get digested slowly, ensuring constant metabolism. Raw bananas also suppress insulin surges, leading to fat storage.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

For insulin-resistant individuals or diabetics, raw bananas are a smart food choice. The nutrients in raw bananas contain resistant starch, which does not break down the carbohydrates immediately. This results in a slow release of sugar into the bloodstream, thus avoiding sudden peaks and dumps. Eating them regularly enhances the sensitivity of insulin, allowing the body to control blood sugar levels naturally.

4. Improves Heart Health

Raw bananas are rich in potassium, which is a mineral that assists in maintaining blood pressure. Potassium controls the body’s sodium to avoid high blood pressure and also lightens the workload of the heart. Raw banana nutrients also control healthy cholesterol levels by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and raising HDL (good cholesterol), lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease. [2]

5. Controls Digestive Health

If you have digestive problems, incorporating raw bananas into your diet can be magical. High fibre content ensures smooth digestion and reduces the risk of constipation. Meanwhile, their resistant starch behaves like a natural equaliser, calming the digestive tract and warding off diarrhoea and bloating. Additionally, they are rich in tannins, which possess gentle astringent characteristics that cure loose stools. [3]

6. Enhances Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity refers to how your cells absorb insulin and utilise glucose to produce energy. Insulin resistance is a primary cause of Type 2 diabetes. It has been found that raw bananas contain resistant starch, and consuming them makes one more insulin sensitive, thus adding them to the list as an ideal product for a diet-balanced diabetic life. [4] Regular consumption is said to fight insulin resistance and support the improved control of blood sugar levels.

7. Strengthens Bones

Raw bananas are rich in magnesium, a mineral that promotes calcium absorption and bone density. Raw bananas are also beneficial for preventing osteoporosis and ensuring healthy bones during old age. Magnesium has the function of contracting and relaxing muscles and hence is required for bone and muscle health in general.

8. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is the cause of most chronic conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. [5] Raw bananas are a storehouse of antioxidants and vitamin C, which fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Raw bananas protect the body from cell damage by fighting free radicals, slowing down ageing, and making the body healthier.

9. Stimulates Brain Function

Raw bananas can also stimulate the brain. They contain vitamin B6, which is important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These brain chemicals control mood, sleep, and thinking. Raw bananas can improve memory, focus, and overall mental health and cut the risk of neurological disorders. [6]

10. Helps Control Diarrhoea

Among the main benefits of eating raw bananas is that a raw banana helps relieve diarrhoea effectively. Raw bananas have high levels of pectin and tannins that work to remove excess water content from the intestines, compacting loose motions. Their electrolytes are also lost and have to be restored in the process. This explains why raw bananas have been particularly advocated as an unprocessed, organic remedy to deal with diarrhoea according to customary medicinal practices.

11. Keeps Kidney Stones Away

Kidney stones occur when calcium and other minerals tend to deposit themselves in the kidneys. The presence of potassium in raw bananas serves to prevent that by ensuring excessive calcium is being removed through the urine rather than deposited and forming stones. The magnesium in them also serves to maintain healthy kidneys and curb the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

12. Offers Long-Term Energy

Unlike energy-crushing candies, raw bananas are a long-lasting source of energy. Their slow-digesting complex carbohydrates deliver energy throughout the day. This is a perfect pre-workout food since it provides you with the energy you require without overdriving your blood sugar levels.

13. Supports Skin Health

Raw bananas are beneficial for your skin as well! Antioxidants and vitamin C in raw bananas fight off free radicals, preventing premature ageing, keeping your skin shining and firm, and triggering skin elasticity and healing due to the production of collagen. Mashed raw bananas applied as a face pack can calm acne, redness, and dryness.

14. Aids Muscle Recovery

If you are getting muscle cramps or pain after exercising daily, raw bananas can be your resort. Raw bananas contain magnesium and potassium, which have a significant role in repairing muscles by inhibiting inflammation and cramps. Sports athletes and health-conscious people eat raw bananas to quicken recovery after exercise and enhance the functioning of muscles.

15. Naturally Gluten-Free

Raw bananas are a very good substitute for normal grains for individuals suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Raw bananas can be converted into gluten-free banana flour and can be consumed as an excellent wheat flour substitute while cooking. Raw bananas are thus a good and versatile source of sustenance for individuals seeking to do away with gluten intake yet achieve the taste of scrumptious and healthy foods.

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Keeling’s Blueberry & Raspberry Breakfast Pudding #nutrition 🍮

Blueberry & Raspberry Breakfast Pudding
Ingredients
400 g brioche loaf, thickly sliced
100 g unsalted butter, very soft
125 g raspberries
125 g blueberries
350 ml vanilla yoghurt
150 ml milk
3 eggs
Zest from ½ lemon
1 tbsp demerara sugar
Directions
1Pre-heat oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas 4.
2Butter the brioche slices on one side only then cut into large cubes by cutting each slice into quarters.
3Scatter brioche cubes, raspberries and blueberries into a large casserole dish and set aside.
4Whisk together yoghurt, milk, eggs and lemon zest in a large jug. Pour mixture over the brioche and leave to soak for 15-20 minutes.
5Sprinkle with demerara sugar then bake until a sharp knife inserted into the centre of the pudding comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Leave to cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack then serve with a dollop of yoghurt and a few fresh berries.