Bananas are among one of the cheapest fruits you can buy. Averaging at around 60 cents per pound, you get a bang for your buck (literally…I never pay more than a dollar and change for mine). While many people use this cheap fruit for a quick meal on the go, there are many more quick and easy recipes to make with a banana.
From breakfast to your late night snack, there are plenty of recipes that include bananas in many different shapes and forms. Even the banana peel can be used in certain cases for an easy recipe.
Step away from your usual banana bread, morning smoothie, or on top of toast with peanut butter and try one of these easy recipes to make with a banana.
1. Banana “Nice” Cream
If you’re an ice cream fanatic like most of the population, you know how hard it is to put down the pint instead of finishing it. A guilt-free way of getting to eat your entire pint, is by making your bananas into ice cream. Freeze your bananas overnight so they will be nice and creamy when you blend them. The next day, stick 2 bananas in a food processor (If you have a blender…use the pulse setting so that the mixture does not liquify) along with any flavoring you like. Personally I like adding cacao powder, but you could also use any protein powder or even vanilla extract. You may need a splash of almond milk to get things blending, but then you are all set. This meal is healthy enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
2. Flour-less Pancakes
Pancakes are hands-down my favorite breakfast of all time. While getting them from a diner may not be the healthiest, there’s an even better way to make them at home. Mix together two eggs and a pinch of baking powder. Next add a ripe banana or two and mix all together. If you want more flavor, try adding a little vanilla extract or even a flavored protein powder. Proceed like regular pancakes, cooking for a few minutes each side on a stove top. Top with fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips!
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies don’t always have to be unhealthy. Sometimes, you don’t even need an oven to make them. Combine two mashed ripe bananas with two cups of rolled oats. Place in blender and pulse until consistency of batter. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and maybe a splash of vanilla extract. Separate into balls and place on baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
4.Mini Peanut Butter Sandwiches
You know those peanut butter and cracker packages you used to always have at snack time as a kid? Well, they just got healthier. Slice your banana into small circles. Place a dime size amount of peanut butter onto one side of a piece and stick another piece to it.
5. The Elvis…Oatmeal?
The infamous peanut butter and banana (or Elvis) sandwich is now make it into your breakfast regime. Cook your oats however you please, then add in a tablespoon of honey followed by a tablespoon of peanut butter and mix. Add a spoonful of cinnamon and mix again. Lastly chop up some bananas on top and add another dash of cinnamon and you have a healthy and hearty breakfast. You could even add cacao powder for an extra kick.
Needless to say the banana takes many forms and appears in many of the day’s meals. Even if you aren’t a big fan of bananas, be sure to try some of these sneaky ways to get the natural potassium!