Go Bananas for The Best Banana Recipes

On April 18th, people across the world go absolutely bananas for National Banana Day, the day we dedicate to the appreciation and utter obsession with one of the world’s most popular and beloved fruits.

Bananas are not only one of the happiest and joy-provoking fruits around, but they are also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a favorite snack among adults and children alike.

Whether you enjoy eating them as a healthy snack or in a delicious dessert, there’s no denying the versatility of this fruit. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the significance of National Banana Day, why bananas are such a popular food item, and share some of the best banana-inspired recipes ever.

Notable Health Benefits of Bananas

As we alluded to above, bananas are more than just a tasty snack. They’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals that provide several health benefits to the body.

One of the most notable benefits of bananas is their high potassium content, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease. They’re also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

Bananas are also a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin B6, which supports brain function and reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.

In addition to their impressive nutrient profile, bananas are also low in calories and contain no fat, making them an excellent food choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

The next time you reach for a banana, remember that you’re not just satisfying your hunger — you’re also nourishing your body with essential nutrients that promote good health. So pick out a few of these great banana-inspired recipes to try this National Banana Day.

Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic breakfast dish. Made with ripe bananas, flour, eggs, and milk, these pancakes are not only easy to make but also a great way to start your day.

The natural sweetness of the bananas means you can skip the added sugar, making them a healthier alternative to regular pancakes. They’re also a good source of potassium, fiber, and protein, making them a filling and satisfying breakfast option.

To take your banana pancakes to the next level, try adding toppings like fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of maple syrup. With their fluffy texture and irresistible banana flavor, these pancakes are sure to become a breakfast favorite for you and your family.

Get the Banana Pancakes recipe at Feel Good Foodie.

Banana Bread

Another beloved classic anytime treat that is easy to make and great for using those overripe bananas is banana bread. With its moist texture and sweet, banana flavor, it’s no surprise that banana bread is a favorite among both kids and adults.

The best part about banana bread is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including nuts, chocolate chips, and even cream cheese.

Despite its sweet taste, banana bread can be a relatively healthy dessert option as it is high in fiber and nutrients, including vitamin B6 and of course potassium. It’s also easy to make a gluten-free or vegan version of banana bread by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour and using flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs.

Whether you enjoy it as a snack or dessert, there’s no denying the irresistible appeal of a warm slice of freshly baked banana bread.

Get the Banana Bread recipe at Simply Recipes.

Banana Muffins

For those times when you want something sweet but don’t want to go all out, banana muffins are the perfect solution. These fluffy little treats are packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas, making them the perfect accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea.

Plus, with their moist texture and combination of flavors, banana muffins are sure to please both kids and adults alike. And just like banana bread, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it gluten-free or vegan.

So if you’re looking for a tasty snack that’s also healthy and easy to make, look no further than these delicious banana muffins.

Get the Banana Muffin recipe at Natasha’s Kitchen.

Banana Smoothie

A banana smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious drink that’s perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a midday pick-me-up.

Made with ripe bananas, milk or yogurt, and ice, this smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. In addition to being an excellent source of potassium, they’re also rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer.

Additionally, the milk or yogurt in a banana smoothie provides a good source of calcium and protein, which support healthy bones and muscles. You can easily customize your banana smoothie by adding other fruits, such as berries or mango, or adding a spoonful of peanut butter for a protein boost.

With its creamy texture and sweet taste, a banana smoothie is a satisfying and healthy beverage that’s sure to become a staple in your meal plan.

Get the Banana Smoothie recipe at Inspired Taste.

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

If it’s good enough for the King, then it’s good enough for just about anyone. Elvis Presley was famously known for his love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and it’s easy to see why.

This timeless sandwich combines two simple ingredients – ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter – to create a flavor combination that is both sweet and savory. Not only is this sandwich delicious, but it is also a great source of protein and fiber.

Peanut butter is an excellent plant-based source of protein that helps keep you feeling full and energized, while bananas provide a dose of potassium and vitamins C and B6. Serve up this sandwich as a quick breakfast or snack and transport yourself to Graceland with each bite.

Get the Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich recipe at Food Network.

Banana Curry

Banana curry is a popular vegetarian dish that originated in South India and has since become a favorite in many other parts of the world.

The dish is typically made with ripe bananas, coconut milk, and a blend of fragrant spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. To make banana curry, the bananas are peeled and sliced and then cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce that has been infused with the spices.

The result is a rich and flavorful curry that is both sweet and savory. Some recipes also include vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, or potatoes to add more texture and flavor to the dish.

One of the great things about banana curry is its versatility. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the number of spices and chili peppers you use. It’s also a great way to use up ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

As a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, this special curry pairs well with rice, naan bread, or flatbread, and can be garnished with fresh herbs or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Get the Banana Curry Recipe at The Endless Meal.

Jerk Pulled Pork with Banana Salsa

Jerk pulled pork with banana salsa is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the heat of the Caribbean spices and the sweetness of ripe bananas.

The dish is made by slow-cooking pork shoulder that has been coated in a Jamaican jerk spice mix, which typically includes allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fiery scotch bonnet peppers.

The pulled pork is then served with a vibrant banana salsa that’s made with diced bananas, red onions, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, and cilantro. The banana salsa adds a refreshing and sweet element that perfectly complements the spicy pork.

This dish is a great option for a casual dinner party or a weekend family meal. It can be served with a side of rice and beans, or as a filling for tacos or sandwiches. With its bold and flavorful combination of ingredients, jerk pulled pork with banana salsa is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Jerk Pulled Pork with Banana Salsa recipe at BBC Good Food.

Cuban Pork Rice Bowls with Black Beans and Plantains

Certainly part of the banana family, the plantain is a tropical fruit that is popularly used in Cuban cooking. Plantains are starchy and less sweet than regular bananas, but they add a unique flavor to dishes like Cuban pork rice bowls.

This flavorful dish is made with savory pork, rice, black beans, and plantains and is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s inspired by the flavors of Cuba. This dish is excellent for anyone that loves bold and savory flavors, and it’s a great way to introduce your family and friends to new and exciting cuisine.

Start with the pork shoulder and season it with a blend of spices including cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Slow-cook the pork until it’s tender and juicy. While the pork is cooking, simmer the black bean with onions and spices to create a savory and flavorful bean mixture.

The plantains are cooked separately until they are golden and crispy, then mixed in with the other ingredients. Serve the pork over a bed of rice and top with the black beans and plantains for a complete meal.

Get the Cuban Pork Rice Bowls with Black Beans and Plantains recipe at Baked Ambrosia.

Go Bananas for National Banana Day

Bananas are a versatile and delicious fruit that can be used in an endless array of dishes. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there is certainly a banana-infused recipe to suit your tastes.

From the classic banana curry to jerk pulled pork with banana salsa, these recipes will have you going bananas over National Banana Day.

Don’t forget about plantains either — they add great flavor and texture to Cuban Pork Rice Bowls with Black Beans and Plantains. Celebrate this special day by getting creative with different ways to use bananas in cooking!

Categories

---

• 4th of July
• Daily Dishes
• Healthy Recipes
• Holidays & Events
• Juneteenth
• Recipes
• Seafood Recipes
• Seasonal
• Shopping
• Uncategorized
• World Cuisine Recipes