Easy Banana Recipes

Bananas are a permanent resident in my home! They smile upto me from the fruit bowl on our dining table & find their way in my lunch bag as a quick snack for mid day hunger pangs. On the days I miss breakfast, Ma pesters me to at least have a banana during my commute. Easy to find in markets, sweet & creamy, inexpensive & packed with nutrients, bananas are commonly found across Indian households.

Bananas contain manganese that helps maintain bone health & is a good source of anti-oxidants, vitamin B6 that helps in proper functioning of body, vitamin C that boosts immunity & delays ageing. Bananas are also a great source of potassium that may help prevent depression & maintain heart health. But bananas can be tricky as they ripen at a faster pace than we can finish them. Wicked Spoon Confessions tells you about some easy recipes with bananas that will make you reach out to this super fruit happily.

Banana pancakes:

Breakfast is a great time to intake important nutrients for the long day ahead. As most of us are pressed for time to indulge in a lengthy breakfast, banana pancakes are a great way to chow some goodness. In a bowl, mix together 2 cups pancake flour, sugar to taste & a pinch of salt. Take one ripe banana, mash till smooth, then add 2 eggs, one cup milk & whisk well to form a smooth mixture. Add to the pancake flour, mix well & add some more milk to adjust consistency. Heat a non stick pan & pour some butter. Cook the pancakes on both sides till golden. Serve topped with chopped banana slices & some maple syrup.

Banana Waffles:

Spruce up your regular waffles by adding a delicious superfood- banana. Plus they can be made on a griddle pan if you don't have a waffle maker. To make banana waffles, take one cup all purpose flour, add 1 teaspoon baking soda, sugar to taste & little salt. Combine well. In another bowl, mash one ripe banana, add 1 tsp oil, little cinnamon powder & 3/4th cup milk. Mix with the flour mix well & adjust to pouring consistency. Heat the griddle pan & generously pour butter/oil to coat. Pour the batter to fill the pan or make smaller waffles as per choice. Top with chopped bananas, cinnamon powder & some chocolate sauce.

Banana Muffins:

Fluffy muffins & hot coffee-a dream combination, we say! Make delicious gluten-free banana muffins & wow guests at your next high tea. In a blend process till smooth- 2 cups rolled oats, 2 ripe bananas, 2 eggs & 3 tsp honey. Blend till the mixture is smooth. Remove in a mixing bowl & add cinnamon powder, little salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda & mix well. Add some chocolate chips to the batter. Grease a muffin tin/ramekin bowl with vegetable oil & pour the batter evenly but do not fill till the top. Bake for 15 minutes in a pre-heated oven. Insert a toothpick in the muffin & if it comes out clean, remove the muffins from the oven & let them cool. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Caramelized Banana: 

An easy dessert on your mind? Caramelized banana is a great fuss free dessert. Start by diagonally cutting 4 peeled ripe bananas. In a pan, heat 50 gms unsalted butter with 1/3 rd cup brown sugar & little vanilla essence. When the butter starts melting, lower flame & add the bananas & cook on both sides till caramelized. Take care not to burn. Transfer to a plate & serve.

Banana Split:

An easy post meal indulgence that requires very few ingredients. Diagonally, cut 2 ripe bananas & pour few drops of lemon juice to avoid browning. Place the split bananas on individual dessert dishes & place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream between the vertical slices. Top with nuts, berries & chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.

Banana Chips: 

How about something savory made with raw bananas? A great snack for tea times that can indulged by the whole family. Take 2 raw bananas, peel them & immerse in a bowl of water to which little salt is added for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile heat enough oil in a kadhai. Remove one banana from the bowl, wipe off excess water & with hemp of a slicer, slice the raw banana directly into the kadhai. Fry on both sides & drain on absorbent paper. Sprinkle some pepper powder & serve.