Mediterranean Diet Banana Leaf Wrapped Rice

Elevate your mealtime with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Diet Banana Leaf Wrapped Rice, a healthy and rustic dish that combines wholesome ingredients and a unique cooking technique. This recipe features nutrient-packed brown rice infused with the tangy zest of lemon juice, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and savory additions like Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes—all wrapped in banana leaves for a dramatic presentation and a subtle smoky aroma. Grilled to perfection, these parcels lock in flavor and moisture, delivering a satisfying, aromatic experience with every bite. Perfect for al fresco dining or dinner parties, this dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a tropical twist, and it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large pieces Banana leaves
• 2 cups Brown rice
• 4 cups Water
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
• 0.5 cup Red onion
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Fresh mint leaves
• 2 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the banana leaves under running water and pat them dry. Place them flat on a counter to use later.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, slice the Kalamata olives, dice the red onion, and chop the feta cheese into small cubes. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, mint leaves, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5

Cut each piece of banana leaf into a large square, approximately 12x12 inches.

Step 6

Spoon about a half cup of the rice mixture onto the center of each banana leaf square.

Step 7

Fold each banana leaf in half over the rice mixture and then fold in the sides to form a parcel. Secure with kitchen twine if necessary.

Step 8

Preheat a grill or a griddle to medium-high heat.

Step 9

Place the banana leaf parcels on the grill, cooking each side for about 5 minutes until the banana leaves are charred and aromatic.

Step 10

Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve directly in the banana leaves, allowing diners to unfold their parcels and enjoy the aromatic rice mix.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2340.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1319.0

Total Fat 79.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 66.8mg	0%
Sodium 4718.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 13.3g
Protein 27.5g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 842.9mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 1291.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 39.0%