Bananas – one ingredient five ways
This article was originally published in March 2015
Our bananas are certified organic and support the GROW program, which funds community projects in banana-growing agricultural areas. Bananas are a household staple across cultures, but locally they’re frequently seen only as a grab ‘n’ go fresh fruit. Explore recipes that use everything from green to very ripe bananas and you might discover a new favorite treat from your favorite fruit.
Coconut Fried Bananas
A slightly sweet variation on tempura, the coating on these banana slices includes rice flour for crunch and coconut flakes and sesame seed for subtle extra flavor. This is the sort of snack that works well from breakfast straight on through ’til midnight.
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Steamed Banana Cake
Found in Filipino and Vietnamese restaurants and bakeries, this cake is dense and very moist, with minimal sweetness. Drizzled with slightly salty coconut milk sauce, it’s a heavenly dessert for those without a sweet tooth.
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Easy Vegan Banana Bread
The rich sweetness of very ripe mashed bananas works well as a substitute for eggs and sugar in some recipes; if you’ve been wanting to try vegan baking, this easy banana bread is a great place to start.
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Rice Pudding with Caramelized Bananas
For a dessert that tastes more decadent and more complicated than it really is, try this coconut milk rice pudding with warm spices, topped with simple caramelized bananas. The bananas are also delicious served with ice cream or pound cake.
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Savory Banana Sauté
For a savory, spicy snack, try green bananas sautéed with onions, jalapeño and garlic and finished with a touch of vinegar. The flavor combination comes from the Dominican Republic, and it’s perfect in warm weather with a cold beer.
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