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When you want to lose weight fast, but you want to do it in a healthy way, you need a personalized approach that continues to work over time. It helps to know how to integrate the foods you love to eat into a meal plan you can stick to.
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are not only versatile and delicious, but also affordable and healthy.
Although they are the perfect breakfast ingredient, showing up in smoothies and cereals, bananas are also popular in desserts. Their natural caramel flavor and rich texture make them a perfect ingredient for pudding.
Okay, so banana pudding sounds a bit boring, but it can be a welcome treat that’s also healthy. It can often be made from scratch in just a few minutes with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Here are some recipes that breathe new life into this old favorite while also upping the nutritional factor. You will never have leftover bananas in the house with these desserts that you are sure to love.
Banana and spiced rice pudding
A comfort food with a healthy twist, this simple dessert packs a punch. The hot spices add flavor and antioxidants, while the bananas and coconut provide potassium and fiber. Use leftover rice and plantains all at once.
Ingredients
* 1 cup of brown basmati rice
* 2 cups of water
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups plus 1 tbsp. milk, divided
* 1/3 cup light brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
* 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1/2 cup grated coconut
* 1 tablespoon. cornstarch
* 2 ripe bananas
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Addresses
1. Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil Stir once and reduce heat to low. Cook covered for 40 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
2. Add 3 cups of milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and bring liquid to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Mix cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon. milk in a small bowl until smooth; add to pudding. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Mash bananas in a small bowl. Add the mashed bananas, coconut, and vanilla to the pudding. Place in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming on top. Cool well. Serve with additional banana slices, if desired.
Banana and ginger pudding
This quick and easy recipe is the perfect ending to a rustic meal. The sweetness of bananas combined with the satisfying crunch of gingerbread cookies make this an ideal dessert for when you need some comfort food after a long day.
Ingredients
* 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/8 tsp. Salt
* 2 1/2 cups of milk
* 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
* 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 ripe bananas, sliced
* 24 gingerbread cookies
Addresses
1. Combine the flour and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add the milk, sweetened condensed milk and yolks. Stir constantly and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat; add vanilla.
2. Layer the banana slices, pudding, and gingerbread cookies in a large bowl or square baking dish. Repeat to make 3 layers.
Banana Bread Pudding
This decadent twist on a classic dessert will be a hit with your family. The warm, crispy exterior gives way to a custard-like center, topped with a deliciously smooth sauce. This is the perfect use for stale bread and brown bananas.
Ingredients
* 4 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 3 eggs
* 2 cups of milk
* 1/2 cup of sugar
* 2 tsp. vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground walnut
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 ripe bananas, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
Dip
* 3 tablespoons. butter
* 2 tbsp. sugar
* 1 tablespoon. cornstarch
* 3/4 cup of milk
* 1/4 cup of honey
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Addresses
1. Heat oven to 375F (190C). Grease a 9×9 square pan. Place bread cubes in pan; butter and toss to coat. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add the milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the bananas.
2. Pour mixture over bread cubes and toss to coat.
3. Place a baking sheet with a 2-inch rim on the center rack of the oven. Place the pudding in the center of the bowl and fill the outer bowl with hot water. Bake, uncovered, 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
4. Prepare the sauce while the pudding is in the oven. Melt the butter in a small saucepan then add the sugar and cornstarch. Add the milk and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for 1 minute. Get out of the fire; add vanilla. Pour sauce over warm pudding and serve immediately.
These recipe ideas are so delicious and good for you that after one bite you’ll want to go back to making them once a week. You and your family will love coming home to the warm, gooey comfort of banana pudding, and you’ll feel great serving something that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
Experiment with adding different fruits or changing the type of cookies you use. You can easily prepare individual servings with or without coconut or spices to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
I hope now you have some fresh inspiration on how to serve this amazing fruit.
eat well,
David