From Payasam To Halwa: Indian Banana Desserts To Try at Home

As children many of us are fussy eaters and fruits don’t necessarily make it to our list of favourite foods. Most moms struggle with trying to give their children healthy and balanced meals that include fruit and vegetables in the correct proportion. That’s usually when they innovate with trying to make exciting snack with vegetables and desserts that make fruit interesting. These savoury and sweet dishes are attractive and kids find them enticing.

For example, in Indian kitchens, bananas are very important because they are one of the most useful foods. Bananas can be eaten as a quick snack or as a healthy part of breakfast. They can also be used to make delicious sweets. While Western desserts such as banana bread have become increasingly popular, bananas are added in many traditional Indian desserts and can also be introduced as a twist to classic sweet dishes that don’t traditionally include bananas in the original recipe.

Every region in India has its own unique way of using this simple fruit in a way that will make it the star ingredient and steal the show. Indian sweets made with bananas show how versatile the fruit is, it can be used in creamy puddings or crunchy fritters. You can make these seven Indian banana desserts at home without much trouble.

Why Bananas Are Perfect for Desserts

When bananas are ripe, they naturally make the dessert sweet, so you don't need to add sugar. Because of this, sweets made with banana are a better choice. The versatility of bananas makes them go well with sugar, coconut, cardamom, and other traditional Indian flavours. They add creaminess to puddings and kheer when they are mashed, pureed, or sliced. They also give fried treats a caramelised sweetness. Importantly, bananas are also cheap and easy to find all year long, so many people keep them in their homes as a staple.

Tips For Perfect Banana Desserts

Overripe bananas with black stains on the skin are perfect for desserts. They're sweeter and have a softer texture, ideal for mashing or blending. Because bananas have a strong flavour, add ingredients such as cardamom, saffron, or nutmeg that naturally compliment it, to improve the overall taste. Depending on the freshness of the bananas, modify the amount of sugar or jaggery you use in your recipe.

Banana Payasam

Banana payasam, originating in South India, is a soothing, sweet meal that is usually made and served during festivals and celebrations. It has ripe bananas which is the star ingredient and is cooked with coconut milk, jaggery, and aromatic spices such as cardamom. The creamy texture of coconut milk makes the natural sweetness of bananas come through, while roasted cashews and raisins give the dessert a crunch. Banana payasam is simple to make and not only tasty, but it is also dairy-free, making it ideal for those who are looking for vegan desserts.

Banana Halwa

Banana halwa is a delicious dessert that is particularly popular in Kerala. This dish, made with overripe bananas, ghee, and sugar. It has to be patiently slow-cooked until it turns rich and fudgy. It's rich brown colour and caramel-like flavour makes it quite a hit at gatherings. Slivers of almonds or cashews are added for flavour and also to dress it up a bit. The secret to making a good banana halwa is to patiently whisk the mixture to avoid sticking or burning. This dessert is ideal for people who enjoy decadent, classic desserts.

Banana Sheera

Banana sheera, which is a version of "Sooji Halwa" in various regions of India, is a Maharashtrian staple that is prepared as an offering at religious events. The addition of ripe bananas to the roasted semolina, sugar, and milk makes the dish delicious. Banana sheera, made with ghee and a touch of cardamom powder has an aroma that wafts through the house when you are cooking it. It's a popular dessert in busy households because it's quick to make and requires few ingredients.

Banana Appe

A South Indian classic, banana appams are golden, sweet fritters made with ripe bananas, rice flour, and jaggery. Traditionally cooked in an "appa chatti" (a pan with round cavities), these bite-sized appe are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The subtle sweetness of the bananas is perfectly balanced by the nutty flavour of coconut. They are a popular snack during festivals such as Vishu and Onam but can be enjoyed any time you’re craving a quick, snacky dessert.

Banana Malpua

The inclusion of mashed bananas gives this traditional sweet dish a distinct flavour and makes it an interesting spin on the classic malpua. A batter made with mashed bananas, flour, and milk is used to make banana malpua, which is popular in Bihar and Odisha. It is then cooked till it is crisp and soaked in sugar syrup. The syrup keeps these pancake-like sweets smooth and moist. These banana malpuas, topped with chopped almonds, are ideal as a post-dinner sweet cravings or for celebrations.

Banana Kheer

A modern spin on traditional Indian kheer, this banana pudding combines mashed bananas with milk, sugar, and rice. It’s flavorued with cardamom and a touch of saffron. The bananas add a creamy texture and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar. Topped with roasted nuts and raisins, banana kheer is a delicious way to enjoy a fusion dessert that combines Indian tradition with a contemporary twist.

Banana Puranpoli

Puranpoli, a celebratory Maharashtrian flatbread normally filled with lentils and jaggery, can be given a new twist with a banana-based filling. Ripe bananas mixed with jaggery, coconut, and cardamom can be quite an interesting filling. The outside dough is rolled thin and placed on a hot tawa and cooked like a stuffed paratha.