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Indian kitchens are incomplete without ripe bananas for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional value. Packed with vitamins like C and B6 and rich in potassium, magnesium, and fibre, ripe bananas offer a sweet flavour with subtle tart notes. From appetisers to desserts, ripe bananas are just perfect, thanks to their creamy texture and inherent sweetness. Ripe bananas are not simply a fruit in India; they are a vital component of many traditional cuisines, adding their distinct flavour and health advantages to regular cooking.
Monsoon and ripe banana dishes share a special connection in Indian households. When it starts to rain, all you want is a warm, comforting meal, and ripe bananas are the star of many famous recipes. During this season, banana-based desserts are a mainstay since the chilly, wet weather makes them even more enjoyable. Whether in cakes, pancakes, breads, or halwa, ripe bananas transform simple ingredients into delightful monsoon delicacies.
Ripe Banana Dishes To Try This Monsoon
1. Delicious Banana Cake
This banana cake is a moist, vegan delight made with mashed ripe bananas, walnuts, and whole wheat flour. It's a lighter, softer version of a classic cake that's healthier. Because bananas naturally sweeten the cake, it's a great option for anyone who wants to indulge without feeling guilty.
You will need approximately four ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, oil (such as sunflower or coconut oil), walnuts, and vanilla extract. You can also add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for added flavour. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius, mash the bananas, mix with oil and sugar, and then combine with sifted dry ingredients. Fold in the walnuts, pour into a greased pan, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until a skewer comes out clean. Let the cake cool before slicing. Serve with tea or coffee for a perfect monsoon treat.
Also Read: 6 Crispy Fried Desserts For Rainy Days
2. Eggless Banana Pancakes
You can consider this a quick and nutritious breakfast option. Made with whole wheat flour and overripe bananas, they are tender, slightly crisp, and sweetened naturally with jaggery. For the batter, you’ll need three ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, crushed fennel seeds, jaggery powder, and water. Mash the bananas, mix with jaggery, then fold in the flour and fennel seeds. Add water to achieve a medium-thick consistency. Heat a skillet, spread some oil, and pour a spoonful of batter to form small pancakes. Cook on medium heat, flipping once the base is golden. Serve warm with maple syrup or honey.
3. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Combining the rich flavours of chocolate chips and bananas, this bread is a delightful vegan treat. It’s soft, moist, and loaded with gooey chocolate in every bite. Use two large bananas, whole wheat flour, unrefined sugar, vanilla extract, almond milk, and sunflower oil. Sift the dry ingredients together and fold them into the wet mixture along with the chocolate chips. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 35 to 45 minutes. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
4. Eggless Banana Bread
This eggless banana bread is perfect for a quick, wholesome snack. Made with whole wheat flour, it includes the goodness of overripe bananas and optional seeds or nuts for added nutrition. You need four ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, raw sugar, sunflower oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mash the bananas, mix with sugar and oil, then fold in the sifted dry ingredients. Optionally, add sunflower seeds. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 to 40 minutes. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
5. Banana Halwa
Banana Halwa, or Banana Sheera, is a traditional Indian sweet made with semolina, bananas, and ghee. It’s a popular dish during pujas and festivals. Use roasted semolina, chopped bananas, almonds, raisins, green cardamom powder, ghee, and sugar. Roast the semolina in ghee, add bananas, and mix with hot milk or water. Add nuts, raisins, and sugar, then simmer until the mixture thickens. Serve hot or warm.
6. Pazham Pori
Pazham pori is a popular snack from Kerala, made by deep-frying ripe banana slices coated in a flour batter. It’s a perfect tea-time snack. You’ll need ripe bananas, all-purpose flour, rice flour, sugar, turmeric powder, baking soda, and oil for frying. Prepare a thick batter with the dry ingredients and water, then coat the banana slices. Heat the oil and fry the banana slices until golden. Serve hot with tea.
Ripe bananas are not just a nutritious fruit; they are a versatile ingredient that brings warmth and sweetness to many monsoon dishes. From cakes and breads to pancakes and traditional sweets, ripe bananas add a unique flavour and texture, making them a beloved component of Indian cuisine during the rainy season. Enjoy these delightful recipes and make the most of the monsoon with these comforting banana-based treats.
