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The humble banana is a truly remarkable fruit that can effortlessly transform any dessert into a heavenly creation. Its natural sweetness and smooth texture make it a splendid choice for those seeking a luscious and guilt-free indulgence. Not only does the banana possess an enticing flavour, but it also boasts a treasure trove of nutritional benefits.
They are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and promote heart health. Bananas also contain essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B6, which aid in boosting immunity and maintaining overall well-being. Additionally, their natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, making them a perfect choice for a post-workout snack or a midday pick-me-up.
Try these four simple recipes to relish the flavours and benefits of bananas to the max!
Kerala Nendran Halwa
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe Nendran bananas
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup jaggery (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews (optional, for garnish)
Method:
- Peel the Nendran bananas and mash them to a smooth paste. Set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
- Add the mashed bananas to the pan and cook, stirring continuously, for about 10-15 minutes until the bananas release their moisture and start to thicken.
- In a separate saucepan, dissolve the jaggery (or brown sugar) in water over medium heat to make a syrup.
- Once the syrup reaches a thick consistency, add it to the banana mixture and continue cooking.
- Stir the mixture continuously to avoid any lumps and to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the halwa thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well to incorporate the flavours.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the halwa cool slightly.
- Grease a plate or tray with ghee and spread the halwa evenly on it.
- Garnish with chopped cashews, if desired, pressing them gently into the halwa.
- Allow the halwa to cool completely and set for a few hours.
- Once set, cut the halwa into desired shapes and serve.
Banana Split Sundae:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate ice cream
- Strawberry ice cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Toasted nuts (such as almonds or peanuts)
- Whipped cream
Method:
- Peel the bananas and cut them in half lengthwise. Place each half in a serving dish.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and a scoop of strawberry ice cream next to the bananas.
- Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the ice cream.
- Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Caramelised Banana Pudding:
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Method:
- Slice the bananas into rounds.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the banana slices to the skillet and cook until they are caramelised and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk well until there are no lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In serving glasses or bowls, layer the caramelised bananas and the vanilla custard. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Dust the top with ground cinnamon.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Banana Bread Pudding:
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Add the bread cubes to the banana mixture and stir gently to coat the bread evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavours of banana bread in a delightful pudding form.
Frozen Banana Bites:
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas
- Dark chocolate (melted)
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, or pistachios)
- Shredded coconut (optional)
Method:
- Peel the bananas and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the banana pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Dip each banana piece into the melted dark chocolate, making sure it is fully coated.
- Immediately sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the chocolate-coated banana pieces.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until the chocolate hardens, usually for about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the banana bites to an airtight container or enjoy them immediately as a refreshing treat.
- These recipes will surely satisfy your craving for delicious banana desserts. Enjoy the delightful flavours and the versatility of this remarkable fruit!
Bananas Foster
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Method:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar to the skillet and stir until it dissolves and forms a smooth caramel-like sauce.
- Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
- Carefully pour the rum into the skillet and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the bananas and stir gently to combine.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- To serve, scoop vanilla ice cream into individual bowls or dessert dishes.
- Spoon the warm bananas and sauce over the ice cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly combination of caramelized bananas, rum-infused sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream.
