When you think of bananas, the sweet yellow fruit is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s much more to this incredible plant than just the fruit. From the flower and stem to the ripe banana itself, every part can be transformed into something delicious.
If you’ve only been peeling and eating bananas, it’s time to discover everything else this versatile plant has to offer.
1. Banana Flower Chips
If you’ve never cooked with a banana blossom (flower) before, you’re in for a treat. When cleaned and deep-fried in a spiced batter, the florets take on a wonderful texture that mimics crispy fish or artichokes. It’s the ultimate evening snack!
Prep time: 30 mins | Cook time: 1 hour | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Banana flower 1
- Water
- Turmeric 1/2 tsp
- Salt 1 tsp
- Lemon ½
For Batter:
- Maida 1/2 cup
- Corn flour 1/2 cup
- Turmeric 1/2 tsp
- Red chilli powder 1 tsp
- Garam masala 1/2 tsp
- Pepper powder 1/4 tsp
- Chaat masala 1/2 tsp
- Ginger paste 1 tsp
- Salt 1/2 tspb
- Water 3/4 cup
- Oil for frying
Method
- Clean the florets and soak them in water with lemon juice.
- Take maida and corn flour in a large bowl. Add turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, pepper powder. Chaat masala, ginger paste and salt mix together.
- Add water to prepare a thick batter.
- Drain the florets from the lemon water and add to the prepared batter to coat uniformly.
- Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp.
2. Caramel Banana Poked Muffins
Take your traditional banana muffin to a whole new level. These muffins are poked and filled with rich caramel and condensed milk, making them incredibly moist, gooey, and decadent.
Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Oats ¾ cups
- Boiling water 1-1/2 cups
- Butter 1/2 cup
- White sugar 1 cup
- Brown sugar 1 cup
- Ripe bananas mashed 1 cup
- Eggs 2
- Vanilla extract 1 tsp
- Maida 1-1/2 cup
- Baking soda 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
- Salt 1/2 tsp
Topping:
- Condensed milk 1 can
- Brown sugar 1 cup
- Chopped walnuts 1 cup
- Butter 1/2 cup
- Whipped cream 1/4 cup
- Caramel syrup
Method
- Preheat the oven to 175° C. Line the muffin tray with paper liners.
- Combine boiling water and oats in a bowl and let it stand for 20 minutes.
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until creamy for about 3 minutes. Add bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract and stir well to combine. Mix in the oats.
- Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together in a bowl. Fold into the oatmeal mixture. Divide the batter evenly in the muffin cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Poke 3 deep holes into each muffin using the round handle of a small wooden spoon. Drizzle 1 tablespoon caramel syrup and condensed milk over each muffin. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Mix brown sugar, walnuts, melted butter and whipped cream together in a bowl and sprinkle over the muffins.
3. Balinese Banana Stem Curry
The central core of the banana plant’s trunk is crisp, fibrous, and incredibly refreshing. This traditional Balinese recipe pairs the cooling properties of the stem with a fragrant, warming aromatic spice paste and creamy coconut milk.
Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Banana stem 1 medium
- Coconut milk 500 ml
- Spring onions 4
- Garlic 3 cloves
- Red chilly preserve 2 tsp
- Turmeric 2cm
- Ginger 2 cm
- Lemongrass 1 stalk
- Bay leaves 2
- Coriander seeds 1 tsp
- Kaffir lime leaves 3
- Salt to taste
- Palm sugar to taste
- Oil for cooking
Method
- Slice the banana stem into thin discs. As you slice, use your fingers to pull out the fibrous threads and chop the discs finely.
- Immediately soak in water with lime juice and salt.
- Blend the coriander seeds, ginger, red chillies, lemon grass, garlic and spring onions.
- Heat the cooking oil and saute the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, prepared spice paste and saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drain the banana stem and add to the pot of sauteed spices add coconut milk, salt and sugar and simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the banana stem softens. Stir continuously to avoid curdling. Cook for 3 more minutes, remove from heat and serve hot.
Who knew one plant could inspire so many delicious dishes? Whether you’re in the mood to experiment or simply looking for new ways to enjoy bananas, these recipes are worth a try.
Tell us in the comments which one you’d love to make first!
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