From chapatis to cake: 7 delicious ways to use overripe bananas

Fruits are a powerhouse of nutrition. But when they overripe, many of them are thrown away. However, one fruit that is best used in cooking is overripe bananas. Their soft texture and natural sweetness are hidden gems in cooking and baking. Packed with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, these speckled fruits are perfect for reducing added sugar in recipes. As per food experts, their creamy consistency makes them an excellent base for smoothies, natural sweeteners in pancakes or muffins, and a moisture booster in cakes and breads. According to a study, overripe bananas work as a functional ingredient, which is rich in antioxidant compounds and resistant starch and is best used in muffins or cookies, and enhances dietary fiber without spiking glycemic response. Take a look at these 7 delicious ways of adding overripe bananas to your daily diet for extra nutrition.

How to use: Simply mash overripe bananas into whole wheat dough with cardamom and a pinch of salt or jaggery. Roll out rotis and cook on a tawa and your sweet chapatis are ready and are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes.

How to use: To make this pancake, combine mashed banana with atta or oats, a pinch of cinnamon, and milk or curd. Heat a pan, pour the batter and your soft, fluffy, naturally sweet pancakes are ready.

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How to use: Use mashed bananas as the main wet ingredient in your batter along with flour, neutral oil, curd, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix it all well using cut and fold technique and bake it for 30 minutes. Your homemade Banana Cake is ready. Enjoy with tea or coffee.

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How to use: Blend banana with milk, dates, cinnamon, and a spoon of peanut butter. Pour in a glass and your filling and energy-rich milkshake is ready. Enjoy as a breakfast or post-workout drink.

How to use: Blend overripe banana with rice flour or oats, add a pinch of cardamom and milk. Let it rest for a while and then cook like a chilla on a greased tawa. Your sweet and satiating chilla is ready. Enjoy!

How to use: To make this exotic and creamy ice cream, freeze banana slices, then blend along with milk and flavorings like cocoa, coffee, or vanilla. Pour in ice cream mould, top it with some banana slices and freeze for 6-8 hours. Your creamy, guilt-free ice cream with zero added sugar is ready!

How to use: Just mix mashed banana with whole wheat or ragi flour, add some baking powder, oil or butter, and chopped nuts. Pour the batter into muffin molds and bake. Your muffins are ready. Enjoy them with tea or coffee.

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