Red bananas have a reddish-purple skin when they are ripe and smaller than common yellow bananas. They grow in hot and humid climates. They can handle some brief periods of cold weather, but this weather can damage trees and fruit. These are also firmer and more acidic in flavour compared to yellow bananas. They can be added to fruit salads, smoothies, and much more.
Red bananas are a nutritious fruit that can provide many health benefits. They are rich in iron, which helps prevent anaemia by increasing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. The high fibre content in red bananas can aid digestion and relieve constipation.
Red bananas contain antioxidants that purify the blood as well as bone-strengthening minerals like calcium and potassium. As per the National Library of Medicine, they are also a good source of B vitamins, which boost metabolism and immunity. Adding red bananas to one's diet provides vitamins, minerals, and fibre that can improve digestion, bone health, blood health, immunity, and metabolism.
Here are seven dishes to make with this unique fruit:
Red Banana Smoothie
Made with just three ingredients—milk, strawberries, and red bananas—it comes together in just minutes and is a healthy drink to start the day. Simply gather the ingredients and toss them in the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then pour into a glass and serve.
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Red Banana Mousse
To prepare this dessert, first peel and blend ripe bananas into a smooth, lump-free paste. Next, add honey and fresh cream along with strawberries, blending thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mousse into glasses, chill in the fridge for over an hour until set, then garnish with a sprinkle of sugar before serving.
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Raw Red Banana Roast (Sev Vazhalai Varuval)
To make this dish, first lightly fry chana dal, red chillies, and coriander seeds. Add asafoetida powder and coconut powder to toast briefly. Set aside this mix. Separately, pressure cook sliced raw red bananas until just tender and in another pan, temper urad dal. Add curry leaves, onions, and boiled bananas, along with turmeric. Sauté until the onions soften. Finally, stir in the prepared spice powder. Cook for a few minutes more until the bananas are lightly crisped. The resulting curry pairs deliciously with rice.
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Red Banana Pancakes
Red banana pancakes are a nutritious breakfast option. The bananas are mashed and combined with a sweet jaggery syrup with fennel seeds and raisins. These ingredients create pancakes that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Top with a ginger pickle and serve.
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Red Banana Bread
Mash very ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Then mix in melted butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, nuts, salt, and flour. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350F for 50–60 minutes. The bread bakes up with a lovely golden brown top and moist crumb. It can be enjoyed with some butter and a cup of coffee or tea.
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Red Banana Bajji
Cut the bananas lengthwise and then slice each half crosswise to make long, broad pieces. In a bowl, combine the maida, rice flour, cooking soda, turmeric, salt, and sugar.
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Form a thick batter, coat the banana pieces in the batter, and then fry in the oil over low heat until golden brown. The fried banana fritters are best served warm with tea or coffee.
Red Banana Milkshake
The red banana contains high amounts of carbohydrates and makes for a nutritious milkshake. To make this milkshake, first cut the banana into round pieces.
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Add cashews, almonds, and milk to the banana and blend well. To serve, pour the milkshake into a glass, drizzle with honey, and top with dates and ice cubes.