5 Delicious Raw Banana Recipes You Must Try

Introduction to Raw Banana Magic

Ever looked at a raw banana and wondered how you could turn it into something delicious? Often overlooked, raw bananas (or green bananas) are a versatile ingredient that can be the star of many dishes. They offer a different flavor profile compared to their ripe counterparts, providing a starchy, mildly sweet taste that holds up well under various cooking methods. In this blog post, we'll explore five unique and tasty raw banana recipes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also broaden your culinary horizon.

1. Raw Banana Paratha

Ingredients:

• 2 raw bananas
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Steps:

1. Boil the raw bananas in their skin until they are soft, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Once cooled, peel and mash the bananas until there are no lumps.
3. Mix the mashed banana with whole wheat flour, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt to make a soft dough.
4. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, roll each into a flat paratha, and cook on a hot griddle with ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides.

💡 Note: Serve these parathas with yogurt, pickle, or your favorite curry for a complete meal.

2. Raw Banana Tikki

Ingredients:

• 3 raw bananas
• 1/2 cup boiled and mashed peas
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying
• Chopped coriander for garnish

Steps:

1. Boil the raw bananas until they become tender. Cool, peel, and mash them.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed bananas with peas, onions, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and salt.
3. Shape the mixture into small, flat tikkis (patties) and shallow fry until they turn crispy and golden.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander before serving.

💡 Note: These tikkis make excellent appetizers or snacks, especially when paired with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

3. Raw Banana Kebabs

Ingredients:

• 4 raw bananas
• 1 cup grated paneer or crumbled tofu
• 2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Boil, peel, and mash the raw bananas.
2. Mix with paneer or tofu, chickpea flour, mint leaves, and spices to form a thick mixture.
3. Shape into kebabs and deep fry until they are nicely browned and crispy.

4. Raw Banana Stir-fry

Ingredients:

• 2 raw bananas
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or any oil of choice
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal
• 2 dried red chilies, broken
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Peel the raw bananas and cut into thin slices.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
3. Add the banana slices, sprinkle with turmeric powder and salt, and sauté until they are tender and slightly golden.

💡 Note: This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice or can be used as a side for an Indian thali.

5. Raw Banana Porridge

Ingredients:

• 1 raw banana
• 1 cup oats
• 2 cups milk or almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• A handful of nuts and dried fruits for topping

Steps:

1. Peel and grate the raw banana.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and add the oats, cooking until it thickens.
3. Stir in the grated raw banana, honey, and cinnamon, and cook for another few minutes.
4. Serve hot, garnished with nuts and dried fruits.

Incorporating raw bananas into your diet can not only diversify your menu but also offer health benefits such as improved digestion due to their high resistant starch content. These recipes are easy to prepare, delicious, and bring out the subtle sweetness and unique texture of raw bananas. Whether you're looking to explore vegetarian options, manage your diabetes, or just enjoy a different taste, these dishes are perfect for any meal or snack time. With these five recipes, you'll never look at a raw banana the same way again.

What are the health benefits of eating raw bananas?

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Raw bananas or green bananas are rich in resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic, promoting gut health. They also have a lower sugar content than ripe bananas, making them suitable for managing blood sugar levels.

Can raw bananas be eaten directly?

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While you can eat raw bananas directly, they are quite starchy and not as sweet as their ripe counterparts. Cooking them helps to break down the starches, making them more digestible and palatable.

Are these recipes suitable for diabetics?

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Yes, because raw bananas have a lower glycemic index than ripe bananas, these recipes can be part of a diabetic-friendly diet, though portion control is key.

What are some alternatives for the recipes if I can’t have raw bananas?

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For paratha or tikki, you can use sweet potatoes or regular potatoes as a substitute. For the porridge, consider using finely shredded and cooked vegetables like carrots or zucchini instead.

How can I store raw bananas to use for these recipes?

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Store raw bananas at room temperature if you plan to use them within a few days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, which will slow down the ripening process. Once cooked, these dishes can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.