Tropical Bananas with Spiced Yogurt
Indulge in a delightful dessert or a refreshing side dish with this Tropical Bananas with Spiced Yogurt recipe. Originating from Anna Thomas's classic 'The Vegetarian Epicure', this dish combines the creamy goodness of ripe bananas with the tang and creaminess of nonfat yogurt, enhanced by aromatic spices. A hint of citrus juice—like orange, lemon, or lime—adds a zesty twist that can elevate the flavors. Perfect for summer parties or as a healthy addition to any meal, this raita is sure to impress your guests while providing a nutritious option packed with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ghee or Canola Oil
1 teaspoon (melted)
Cumin Seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (whole)
Cardamom Seed
1/4 teaspoon (whole)
Ground Coriander
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Ripe Bananas
2 cups (mashed)
Nonfat Plain Yogurt
2 cups (plain)
Instructions
1
In a small skillet, melt the ghee or canola oil over low heat, ensuring it does not overheat.
2
Add the cumin seeds, cardamom seed, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Lightly crush the spices together with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their essential oils. Stir the mixture in the skillet until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the sautéed spices and stir gently to incorporate the flavors.
4
Fold in the nonfat plain yogurt until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
5
Transfer the banana and yogurt mixture to a serving dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6
Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the raita to become cool and refreshing.
7
Before serving, consider adding a splash of your choice of citrus juice (orange, lemon, or lime) for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Bananas with Spiced Yogurt?
It is a delightful dessert or refreshing side dish, specifically a raita, that combines mashed bananas with yogurt and aromatic spices.
Who is the original author of this recipe?
This recipe originates from Anna Thomas's classic book, 'The Vegetarian Epicure'.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Tropical Bananas with Spiced Yogurt is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include ripe bananas, nonfat plain yogurt, cumin seeds, cardamom seed, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and ghee or canola oil.
Can I use oil instead of ghee?
Yes, canola oil is a suitable substitute for ghee in this recipe.
How many bananas do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cups of mashed ripe bananas.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe specifies using nonfat plain yogurt for a creamy yet healthy base.
What spices are used in the spiced yogurt?
The spices used are cumin seeds, cardamom seed, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare the spices?
Melt ghee or oil over low heat, add the spices, and lightly crush them to release their essential oils while stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Does the dish need to be chilled?
Yes, the mixture should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I add citrus juice to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a splash of orange, lemon, or lime juice before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Is this dish served as a dessert or a side?
It can be served as either a delightful dessert or a refreshing side dish known as a raita.
How much cumin seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of whole cumin seeds.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
It uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
What is the purpose of chilling the dish?
Chilling allows the aromatic flavors of the spices and bananas to meld together.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is there any added sugar?
No, the sweetness comes naturally from the ripe bananas.
What tool should I use to crush the spices?
You can use a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to lightly crush the spices in the skillet.
Is this a good dish for summer parties?
Yes, its cooling properties and refreshing flavor make it perfect for summer gatherings.
What is the amount of yogurt needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of nonfat plain yogurt.
Can I use lime juice for the citrus twist?
Yes, lime juice is one of the recommended citrus options to elevate the flavors.
How should I combine the yogurt and bananas?
Fold the yogurt into the banana and spice mixture until it is creamy and well combined.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander.
Is the cardamom used whole or ground?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of whole cardamom seeds, which are then lightly crushed.
What is the preparation method for the bananas?
The ripe bananas should be mashed before being combined with other ingredients.
Should I use high heat for the spices?
No, the ghee or oil should be melted over low heat to ensure it does not overheat.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious option that is packed with flavor.
How do I serve the raita?
Transfer it to a serving dish, smooth the top with a spatula, and serve chilled.
Can I use orange juice for flavoring?
Yes, orange juice is a great citrus choice to add a zesty twist.
What kind of texture does the final dish have?
The final dish has a creamy and well-combined texture from the yogurt and mashed bananas.