10/05/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | MAY 10, 2025

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Comforting classic, ideal for using up ripe bananas. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @ROSSANA PANSINO

Fritters that turn everyday bananas into a street snack sensation. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @CHE NOM

Banana fusion o Discover five delicious ways to enjoy potassium-rich fruit via different flavours B ANANAS lend themselves to endless possibilities, especially in kitchens. In this feature, read on as we explore five unique banana reci pes, each offering a new way to experience this beloved fruit. ½ teaspoon of salt 2 ripe bananas, halved Banana leaves or foil (optional, for wrapping) Instructions 1. Steam soaked glutinous rice for 20 minutes. 2. In a pan, heat coconut milk with sugar and salt until just warm. 3. Mix half the coconut milk with the steamed rice. Ű BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN

Warm, tropical treat that wraps creamy coconut and banana in soft, sticky rice. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @DAILY DISH Fluffy, buttery and banana packed for breakfast. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @DIVAS CAN COOK

Pisang goreng A beloved Malaysian street food, pisang goreng, or Malaysian banana fritters, is comfort food at its finest, crispy on the outside, sweet and soft within. Often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea, this snack turns overripe bananas into pure joy. Ingredients 4 ripe bananas ( pisang raja or cavendish) 1 cup of all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon of rice flour (for extra crispiness) ½ teaspoon of baking powder Pinch of salt ¾ cup of water Oil for deep frying Instructions 1. Slice bananas in half or into thirds. 2. In a bowl, mix flours, baking powder and salt. Gradually add water to make a smooth batter. 3. Heat oil in a deep pan. 4. Dip bananas in batter and fry until golden and crisp. 5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Banana coconut sticky rice This luscious Thai-inspired dessert blends sticky rice, creamy coconut milk and ripe bananas into a melt in-your-mouth treat. Traditionally wrapped in banana leaves, it is a warm hug in food form. Ingredients 1 cup of glutinous rice (soaked 4 hours) ¾ cup of coconut milk ¼ cup of sugar

It is the ultimate use for overripe bananas and excellent for breakfast, tea time or dessert. Ingredients 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour ½ cup of sugar ½ cup of butter, melted 2 eggs 1 teaspoon of baking soda ½ teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract Optional: nuts or chocolate chips Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 175°C. 2. In a bowl, mix butter and mashed bananas. 3. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in dry ingredients. 4. Pour into a greased loaf tin and Banana pancakes with honey butter These fluffy pancakes with caramelised banana and honey butter are a breakfast delight. Easy to whip up, they bring a touch of indulgence to your weekend mornings. Ingredients 1 cup of flour 1 tablespoon of sugar 1 teaspoon of baking powder Pinch of salt 1 egg 1 cup of milk 1 ripe banana, mashed Butter and honey (for serving) bake for 50–60 minutes. 5. Cool before slicing.

4. Place a scoop of rice on a banana leaf, top with banana and wrap. 5. Steam wrapped parcels for 10– 15 minutes. Serve warm with remaining coconut sauce. Banana curry Yes, bananas can go into curries too! In South India, raw bananas are often used in savoury dishes. This mildly spiced curry balances natural sweetness with robust flavours. Ingredients 2 raw bananas (plantains), peeled and cubed 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1 teaspoon of chilli powder 1 teaspoon of coriander powder ¼ cup of grated coconut (optional) Curry leaves Salt and oil Instructions 1. Boil banana cubes until tender. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat oil, splutter mustard seeds and curry leaves. 3. Saute onion and garlic until golden. 4. Add spices and a splash of water to form a paste. 5. Stir in bananas and coconut. Cook until well coated. Serve with rice or roti. Banana bread No banana recipe list is complete without the classic banana bread.

Sweet meets spice in this hearty South Indian-style banana curry. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @MAYEEKA

4. Cook pancakes on a buttered skillet until golden on both sides. 5. Serve stacked with honey butter and extra banana slices. Bananas prove they can do it all. So next time you see ripe bananas on your counter, think beyond smoothies.

Sliced bananas for garnish

Instructions 1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. 2. In another bowl, combine milk, egg and mashed banana. 3. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.