Bananas have their place of honor on our table, whether as the main ingredient of a juicy fruit salad, or as the star fruit of a sweet cake that culminates a party. What is the difference between the familiar banana and the plantain banana? Can banana recipes gain more followers and why? You will find the answers below.
The tastiest banana recipes – is it true?
Before answering this key question, you need to do some research on the nutritional qualities of bananas. On the other hand, the coincidence of names is shocking: there is a plant with large green leaves and medicinal properties called banana. But here, in this article, we will follow the path of this fake fruit from Southeast Asia to banana recipes on our tables. There is nothing that escapes attention about ordinary bananas! We know what to do in the kitchen with overripe bananas and even how to make an orchid bloom again.
Bananas are the less sweet, more starchy equivalent of the exotic fruit. Unlike “dessert” bananas, bananas are almost always cooked before eating. In fact, in their raw state, they taste unpleasant, so don’t be fooled by their attractive features.
A cooked banana is nutritionally very similar to a potato, in terms of calories, but contains a greater amount of vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C and B6, as well as minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
Why do we say banana? If you’re curious about the term, well, let’s lift the curtain a bit! This is explained by the fact that the banana that was grown in Africa and on the island of Tenerife was formerly called “banana”.
Why cook with bananas?
Bananas are most common in dishes from Central and South America and the Caribbean. They are also found in the cuisine of the African countries Ghana and Nigeria. This spice is usually ground as the main ingredient in a popular Puerto Rican dish: “mofongo”. In Caribbean countries like Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, you can find ripe plantains fried and served with a meal. Starchy and tough at first, when green and raw, their thick skin softens as they ripen. Bananas contain less sugar than other bananas and are often served as a savory side dish or as part of a main dish. The darker the color, the sweeter the bananas. The two species of bananas do not compete nutritionally, as both are nutrient dense foods.
However, cooking methods can affect the nutrient content of these fruits. It has less to do with the fruit itself and more to do with what you add to it.
If you’re concerned about blood sugar management, you’ll still want to watch your portions of both foods because they contain carbohydrates that can spike your blood sugar.
Keep in mind, however, that bananas and plantains are whole foods that contain fiber. So, by taking advantage of banana recipes, you can reduce blood sugar spikes, especially compared to more refined processed foods that do not contain fiber.
Nutritionists recommend creating a sweet or savory dish with cinnamon (tostones) depending on the ripeness of the banana.
Tostones, a famous banana recipe: instructions
Cut the banana into thick slices.
Place the slices in boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Flatten them!
Put them in the fryer to cook a little more. Bake at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Great recipe for a picnic!
Once cooked, add some avocado (healthy fats) and some chicken (protein) for a complete meal.
Since banana peels are thicker than dessert bananas, you’ll need a knife to peel them. First, cut off both ends of the banana. Then make a shallow incision in the center, just deep enough to cut through the skin. Now you can peel with ease.
Cut the bananas into rectangles and then in half.
Add some brown sugar (one tablespoon per banana), vanilla and cinnamon.
Put them in the fryer and let them cook for 10-15 minutes. It’s healthy to eat!
A salty or holy variant: as you wish!
Take 2-3 ripe bananas, 4 tablespoons of rapeseed oil and salt.
Peel the bananas, cut off the ends and discard. Cut into slices down the middle and remove the skin. Then cut them diagonally into thick slices.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add banana slices and cook on both sides until golden brown. Remove from heat, sprinkle with salt and serve hot. This can be served dusted with powdered sugar.
A perfect snack recipe to pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea: raw banana pakora
As ingredients for 6 servings you need:
- 4 green green bananas
- 3/4 tablespoon of rice flour
- 3/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- salt as needed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups gram flour (besan)
- 3/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- 4 pinches of sodium bicarbonate
- 1 cup of water
- powdered sugar as needed
To prepare the delicious pakoras, peel the bananas and rinse them with water. Then cut them horizontally into 3 equal pieces. Cut down!
Mix gram flour (besan), rice flour, baking soda, salt, red chili powder and turmeric powder and make a paste.
Keep adding water in portions to make a thick paste.
After preparing the dough, take the raw banana slices and dry them with a kitchen towel.
Take the vegetable oil in a deep pan and heat the oil. Cover the banana slices completely with the batter and add them one at a time to the hot oil. Fry the slices until golden.
To remove excess oil, take the smooth pakoras and drain them on paper towels.
Serve hot with tomato sauce or a sauce of your choice.