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Bananas are so versatile! They can be used in sweet and savory dishes around the world. Here are 12 international banana dishes to explore:
- Banana Fritters – Southeast Asia’s crispy and sweet snack. Deep-fry ripe bananas coated in batter.
- Bánh Chuối – A Vietnamese treat. Made with bananas, sticky rice, and coconut milk.
- Pisang Goreng – A Malaysian/Indonesian fritter. Coated in batter or breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
- Banana Bread – A classic American baked delight. Made with ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and eggs.
- Turon – A Filipino snack. Ripe plantains, jackfruit, and brown sugar, wrapped in spring roll pastry, deep-fried.
- Banana Smoothie Bowl – A healthy breakfast. Frozen bananas, yogurt, and topped with fresh fruit and granola.
- Banana Chips – Savory snack. Slice green bananas into thin slices and deep-fry or bake.
- Kolak – An Indonesian dessert. Banana, palm sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves.
- Banana Curry – A spicy Sri Lankan/Indian dish. Ripe bananas, coconut milk, and spices.
- Banana Flambe – French dessert. Flambeing bananas in butter, sugar, and rum.
- Banana Pudding – A classic Southern American dessert. Layers of vanilla pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafers.
- Banana Chips and Guacamole – Mexican twist on a snack. Banana chips in place of tortilla chips to dip in guacamole for a sweet and salty crunch.
The Sweet and Savory World of Banana Dishes
The word “banana” often brings to mind a delicious, yellow fruit. But, there are so many other dishes made with bananas! Sweet, savory and in-between. From banana pancakes to banana curry, exploring international banana dishes can be a fun and delicious experience. Let’s get started and discover the sweet and savory world of banana dishes around the world.
The Role of Bananas in International Cooking
Bananas are a tasty, creamy, and nutritious ingredient in a variety of dishes around the world. Here are some global banana delights to try:
- Banoffee Pie (England): Graham cracker crust, caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream. Yum!
- Matoke (Uganda): Mashed and steamed green bananas served with either peanut sauce or meat.
- Tostones (Caribbean): Green plantains sliced, fried, flattened, and fried again. Then topped with salt or other seasonings.
- Tempura Banana (Japan): Sliced bananas dipped in tempura batter and deep-fried for a sweet treat.
- Bánh chuối nướng (Vietnam): Sweet cake made with bananas, coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Baked until golden-brown.
No matter if you like sweet or savory, bananas make a delicious and nutritious addition to many international dishes!
The Nutritional Benefits of Incorporating Bananas in Your Diet
Bananas are full of health benefits, making them a great part of a nutritious diet. They have vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Studies show that eating bananas often can help digestion and reduce blood pressure. Plus, the antioxidants in bananas guard against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Incorporating bananas into your diet is simple. You can use them in sweet or savory dishes. Try Caribbean banana fritters, Filipino turon, or Uganda’s matoke.
Add bananas to your diet today! They’re a yummy way to get all the health benefits they offer.
The Versatility of Bananas in Different Types of Dishes
Bananas are so versatile! They can be used in all sorts of dishes, from sweet to savoury. From breakfast to dinner, snacks to desserts, bananas can add amazing flavour and texture to any dish. Let’s check out a few banana dishes from different cultures!
- Pancakes: Fluffy, delicious pancakes made with mashed ripe bananas – perfect for brunch.
- Chips: In South India and Sri Lanka, thinly sliced bananas are deep-fried until crunchy. Spices like turmeric, chili powder, or black pepper are added for flavour.
- Plantains: A staple in African, Caribbean, and Latin American diets. Plantains are a type of banana, starchy and potato-like when green, and sweet when ripe. Fry up in oil for a yummy side or snack.
- Curry: Thailand’s banana curry is made with chunks of banana, curry paste, coconut milk, and veg. A tasty vegetarian option full of flavour.
- Pie: The classic English banoffee pie is a combination of crushed biscuit and butter base, caramel, sliced bananas, whipped cream, and grated chocolate. A scrumptious treat for any occasion.
Pro tip: Try different types of bananas like red bananas, plantains or lady finger bananas to make your dishes unique!
Sweet Banana Dishes from Around the World
Bananas are adored around the world! So, to please everyone, here are 12 international banana dishes. Let’s discover their scrumptious flavors! From sweet to savory – something for every taste bud. Yum!
Banana Flambe from France
Banana Flambe is a yummy French dessert. To make it you’ll need ripe bananas, butter, sugar and rum.
To prepare:
- Cut the bananas lengthwise and across.
- Melt butter in a pan on medium heat, add sugar and stir.
- Add the bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once.
- Pour in the rum and heat up for 30 seconds, then light the pan.
- Once the flames die down, take out the bananas and serve with vanilla ice cream.
It’s tasty and quick to make, so Banana Flambe is perfect for those wanting to try international banana recipes.
Banana Bread from Jamaica
Feast your taste buds on Jamaican Banana Bread! It’s easy to make and yumtastic for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Here’s the recipe:
- In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- In a separate bowl, blend 3 mashed bananas, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined.
- Pour into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro tip: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
Bananas Foster from New Orleans, USA
Bananas Foster – a classic dessert from the USA, New Orleans to be specific. Combining bananas, brown sugar, rum and vanilla ice cream – it’s a must-try for those with a sweet tooth!
Here’s how to make it:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Throw in sliced bananas and stir to coat.
- Pour in the rum and ignite with a lighter or match (careful now!).
- Stir until the flame dies out.
- Serve Bananas Foster over the ice cream and indulge!
Pro tip: Try replacing brown sugar and butter with honey/maple syrup and coconut oil for a healthier version.
Kluai Buat Chi from Thailand
Kluai Buat Chi is a Thai treat! Sweet bananas, coconut cream, and syrup make up this classic dessert. Bananas are used in unique and yummy ways around the world – and this is a great example.
To make it, first peel the bananas. Then put them in a syrup made of coconut milk and palm sugar. Let it simmer. Serve the bananas with the thick syrup plus a drizzle of salty coconut cream. Delicious! Sweet, salty, and creamy – the perfect balance of banana sweetness.
Kluai Buat Chi is a very popular street food in Thailand. It’s a sweet way to end a spicy meal. So, why not give it a try? Spice up your dessert game with Kluai Buat Chi!
Savory Banana Dishes from Around the World
Bananas! Loved by people everywhere. With their creamy, mild flavor, they’re surprisingly useful in so many dishes! Let’s go on a global food journey and explore 12 recipes that turn the sweet and savory banana into something amazing.
From a mildly spiced Thai green curry to a crunchy Dutch banana fritter – yum!
Aromatic Plantain Curry from India
Aromatic Plantain Curry – a popular Indian dish! Ripe plantains cooked in a spicy-coconut blend that shows its versatility.
You’ll need: Plantains, onion, ginger, garlic, fresh curry leaves, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, coconut milk, and oil.
First, peel and slice the plantains. Heat the oil in a skillet, saute the onion, ginger, and garlic. Add the curry leaves and spices. Then, add the plantains and coconut milk. Cook until tender and the sauce thickens.
Serve it hot with rice or flatbreads.
Pro Tip: Use dried curry leaves if fresh aren’t available.
Matoke from Uganda
Matoke is a famous dish from Uganda. It’s made with steamed green bananas. To make it, peel and slice the bananas into big chunks. Boil them in water for 10-15 mins, until they’re soft. Then, drain the water and mash the bananas. Make small balls or patties from the mixture. Serve with meat or veggie stew.
Matoke is a staple in Uganda. You can find it in most restaurants and homes. It’s full of fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Pro-tip: You can also cook Matoke with coconut milk and spices like garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
Bolon de Verde from Ecuador
Bolon de Verde is a beloved Ecuadorian dish! It’s made from green plantains and filled with beef, cheese, or pork.
Here’s how to make it:
- Boil the plantains ’till they’re soft.
- Peel & mash into dough.
- Add salt & spices like garlic & cumin.
- Form into balls & flatten into discs.
- Stuff with cooked, seasoned beef, cheese, or pork.
- Fold them in half & deep fry ’till crispy.
- Serve hot with ají sauce – a spicy salsa of hot peppers, lime juice & cilantro.
Pro tip: To make it more flavorful, mix chopped onion & bell pepper into the dough before forming into balls.
Pisang Goreng from Indonesia
Pisang Goreng is a popular Indonesian snack: ripe bananas coated in a batter and deep-fried. To make it, you need:
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup water
- Vegetable oil.
Mix the flour, rice flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add water while stirring until the batter is smooth.
Heat the oil in a pan or wok. Dip each banana chunk in the batter, make sure it’s fully coated.
Carefully drop the banana into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy. Serve hot.
Pro tip – Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for added flavor.
Fusion Banana Dishes
Bananas can spice up any dish! From salads to sweet treats, you can use them in many recipes. Exploring the sweet flavour of banana in fusion dishes can be an exciting experience. Here are twelve international dishes you can make with bananas. Get creative and enjoy!
Filipino-Style Turon with Langka from the Philippines
Delight your taste buds with Filipino-Style Turon with Langka! This fusion dish is a worldwide favorite that blends sweet bananas with the unique flavor of langka.
To prepare, start by slicing a ripe saba banana lengthwise and wrapping it in spring roll pastry with langka strips. Then deep fry until golden and crispy. Enjoy a crunchy and sweet treat!
Explore other international banana dishes, like Caribbean fried plantains, Southeast Asian banana fritters, and Southern US banana pudding. Get creative in the kitchen and try new banana recipes from all over the globe.
Pro tip: Serve your Filipino-Style Turon with Langka with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast to the crunchy texture. Yum!
Banana Sushi from Japan
Banana Sushi is the latest food trend from Japan! It’s a healthy twist on traditional sushi. To make it, here’s what you need to do:
- Peel a ripe banana and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Twist the ends to form a cylinder shape.
- Cook sushi rice according to instructions and let cool.
- Cover the banana cylinder with a thin layer of rice.
- Add toppings like honey, Nutella, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts.
- Slice the banana sushi into bite-sized pieces and serve chilled.
Pro Tip: Get creative and make your own unique recipe!
Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl from the United States
Banana and peanut butter smoothie bowl – a creamy, healthy breakfast popular in the U.S.! Packed with protein, fiber and essential nutrients – it’s the perfect way to start your day.
To make it you’ll need:
- -1 ripe banana
- -1/4 cup peanut butter
- -1/2 cup coconut milk
- -1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- -1 tbsp honey
- -A handful of ice
Blend everything together until smooth, then put it in a bowl and add your choice of toppings!
This smoothie bowl is healthy and delicious, plus it’s a great way to switch up your breakfast routine with some culinary exploration. Pro tip: Mix up the toppings to customize the flavour. Enjoy!
Experiencing Banana Dishes Around the Globe
International cuisine? Exciting! Bananas? Everywhere! Let’s explore 12 yummy dishes from around the world. How are these tasty treats prepared in different cultures? Let’s find out!
Where to Find Authentic Banana Dishes
Bananas are a yummy and versatile fruit, found in many cultures. Here are 12 global banana dishes to explore!
- Jamaica’s Banana Fritters: Flour, sugar, and ripe bananas fried until golden & crispy.
- Indonesia’s Pisang Goreng: Sliced bananas dipped in batter and fried, served with sweet chili sauce.
- America’s Banana Pudding: Classic Southern dessert of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas and wafers.
- Thailand’s Caramelized Bananas: Coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt is cooked with banana slices for a sweet treat.
- India’s Banana Chips: Deep-fried, thinly sliced bananas salted for a crunchy snack.
- Peru’s Chuño: Ripe bananas freeze-dried, rehydrated and boiled for soup or stew.
- Mexico’s Banana Leaf Tamales: Masa dough, meat/beans wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
- Sri Lanka’s Banana & Coconut Milk Curry: Sliced bananas, coconut milk, spices served over rice.
- Caribbean Fried Plantains: Fried green plantains with garlic and spices as a side dish.
- Thailand’s Banana Blossom Salad: Banana blossoms, chicken, coconut, and peanuts with zesty dressing.
- America’s Banana Bread Pudding: Stale bread, ripe bananas, milk and sugar for a creamy dessert.
- France’s Banana Flambe: Bananas caramelized in buttery rum sauce and flambéed.
A foodie’s delight, these international banana dishes offer a range of flavors, textures, and cultural experiences!
Substitute Ingredients for Recipes
When cooking banana-based dishes, you can adjust recipes to suit dietary restrictions, allergies, or what you have on hand. Consider these ingredient substitutions:
- Oat flour instead of wheat flour for gluten-free.
- Coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy-free.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for vegans.
- Almond milk or cashew milk for dairy milk.
- Chia or flaxseeds as egg substitutes in baking.
Remember that the flavor or texture might be different after substituting ingredients. So, it’s best to try a small batch before making big quantities.
Pro Tip: Check if measurements remain the same and if extra steps are needed for the recipe to work.
Tips for Preparing Banana Dishes and Avoiding Ripening Issues
For pro-level banana dishes, follow these tips:
- Choose green or slightly underripe bananas for cooking and frying. These have less sweetness and hold up better.
- Store ripe bananas in the fridge to slow ripening and extend shelf life.
- Peel and freeze ripe bananas for smoothies and baked goods. This is a great way to prevent waste.
- Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best for banana bread and muffins. They add maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Try Brazilian fritters, Indian dosas, or Filipino turon for international culinary experience.
Now you’re ready to create culinary masterpieces from around the globe!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the 12 International Banana dishes mentioned in the article “Worldwide Tastes”?
2. Do all of these dishes use the same type of bananas or are there different types of bananas used?
3. Are these dishes difficult to make? Do I need any special equipment or ingredients?
4. Can these dishes be made for vegetarians or vegans?
5. Are these dishes popular in their countries of origin or are they more for adventurous eaters?
6. Where can I find authentic recipes for these dishes?