5 Delicious Raw Banana Recipes You Must Try
Raw Banana and Lentil Dosa
Dosa, a traditional South Indian crepe, is widely loved for its crisp texture and delicious taste. Here's a twist on the classic dosa recipe that incorporates the unique nutritional benefits of raw bananas:
Ingredients
- 1 Raw Banana (peeled and chopped)
- 1⁄2 Cup Rice (soaked for 4 hours)
- 1⁄2 Cup Urad Dal (black gram lentils, soaked for 4 hours)
- 1⁄2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (methi)
- Salt to taste
- Oil or Ghee for cooking
Instructions
- Soak and Grind: Drain the water from rice and urad dal. Blend them together with fenugreek seeds to form a smooth batter. Add the chopped raw banana and blend until well incorporated.
- Fermentation: Let the batter ferment overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This fermentation process not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dosas easier to digest.
- Make Dosas: Heat a dosa tawa or a non-stick skillet, smear a little oil. Pour a ladleful of batter and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin dosa. Cook until one side turns crisp and then flip it to cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar for a true South Indian experience.
🍌 Note: Adding raw bananas to the dosa batter increases its nutritional value, providing more fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins than traditional dosas.
Raw Banana Cutlets
Perfect for a snack or an appetizer, these cutlets are delicious and healthy, providing a good source of carbohydrates with a delightful crunch:
Ingredients
- 3 Raw Bananas (boiled and mashed)
- 1 Medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
- 1⁄2 tsp Ginger Paste
- 1⁄2 tsp Garlic Paste
- 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 1⁄2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1⁄2 tsp Cumin Powder
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil for shallow frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix mashed bananas with onion, chilies, ginger, garlic, coriander leaves, spices, and salt to form a thick mixture.
- Shape Cutlets: Take portions of the mixture and shape them into cutlets or patties. Coat each cutlet with breadcrumbs.
- Cook: Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the cutlets until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Serve: Enjoy these cutlets with mint chutney or ketchup.
Raw Banana Kebabs
For a delightful appetizer with a vegetarian twist, try these kebabs made from raw bananas:
Ingredients
- 4 Raw Bananas
- 1 Potato (boiled and mashed)
- 1⁄2 Cup Grated Paneer
- 2 tbsp Gram Flour (besan)
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Chaat Masala
- 1 tbsp Dry Mango Powder (amchur)
- Oil for deep frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil Bananas: Boil raw bananas until tender. Peel and mash them.
- Mix: Combine mashed bananas with potato, paneer, gram flour, and all spices. Adjust seasoning.
- Shape and Fry: Shape into kebabs, then deep fry until they turn golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot with green chutney or a dip of your choice.
🍟 Note: These kebabs can be made in an air fryer for a healthier option. Just brush them with a little oil and air fry until done.
Raw Banana Porridge
For a nutritious and hearty breakfast option, this raw banana porridge can provide a unique twist to your morning meal:
Ingredients
- 2 Raw Bananas
- 1⁄2 Cup Rolled Oats
- 1 Cup Milk or Water
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Powder
- Honey or Maple Syrup (optional)
- Chia Seeds or Nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Grate Bananas: Grate raw bananas using a fine grater.
- Cook: In a pot, add grated bananas, oats, and milk/water. Cook over medium heat until the oats are cooked and the mixture thickens. Stir in cinnamon.
- Serve: Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired, and top with seeds or nuts for added texture and nutrition.
Raw Banana Paratha
Paratha is an Indian flatbread that can be stuffed with various fillings. Here, raw banana stuffing adds both flavor and nutrition:
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 Cup Water (to knead dough)
- 2 Raw Bananas (boiled, peeled, and mashed)
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Ajwain Seeds (carom)
- 1⁄2 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1⁄4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- Ghee or Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Dough: Make a soft dough with whole wheat flour and water, kneading for about 5 minutes. Let it rest.
- Filling: Mix the mashed raw bananas with cumin, ajwain, spices, salt, and coriander leaves.
- Stuff and Roll: Divide dough into balls, flatten each ball, place filling in the center, and seal to form a paratha. Roll out gently.
- Cook: Cook on a hot griddle, drizzling ghee or oil on both sides until they are golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot with pickle, yogurt, or any curry of your choice.
Wrapping up, raw bananas offer an incredible way to diversify your diet with their rich nutrient profile and versatility in cooking. From savory parathas to sweet porridge, the adaptability of raw bananas makes them a must-try in your kitchen. These dishes not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring health benefits like improved digestion, increased fiber intake, and a boost in antioxidants. So, next time you're at the market, pick up some raw bananas and give these delicious recipes a go.
Can raw bananas be used in sweet dishes?
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Yes, raw bananas can indeed be used in sweet dishes. For instance, they can be incorporated into recipes for sweets like Banana Halwa, or even in smoothies when combined with other sweet ingredients to balance out their starchiness.
Are raw bananas suitable for gluten-free diets?
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Absolutely. Raw bananas are naturally gluten-free. They can serve as an excellent ingredient in gluten-free cooking and baking, especially when substituted for starchy vegetables like potatoes.
What are some health benefits of eating raw bananas?
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Raw bananas are high in resistant starch which aids digestion, helps control blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and several nutrients including vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.