6 ways to use ripe bananas
Not sure what to do with those ’nanas sitting in your fruit bowl? We’ve gathered a bunch of easy recipes and tips to help you make the most of them.
1. Banana pancakes
Give this brekkie favourite a makeover with our easy idea. Prepare a 350g pkt Coles Buttermilk Pancake Mix following packet directions. Add 1 banana, mashed, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon and shake to combine. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spoon 2 tbs portions of the mixture into the pan. Cook for 1 1/2-2 mins or until bubbles appear on the surface. Turn and cook for a further 1 min or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve topped with caramelised banana slices and maple syrup.
2. Frozen banana choc bites
These little bites are ideal for keeping in the freezer for when you need a sweet snack. Thickly slice 2 bananas crossways and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Freeze for 30 mins or until firm. Spread half the banana slices with a little peanut butter or Nutella. Top with the remaining banana slices. Return to the freezer. Place melted Coles Belgian Dark or White Chocolate in a sealable plastic bag and cut off 1 corner. Drizzle the banana bites with the chocolate. Place in the freezer to set.
3. Banana chia pudding
Here’s a no-cook recipe to keep up your sleeve. Combine 1/3 cup (70g) Wellness Road White Chia Seeds, 1 banana, mashed, a 400ml can light coconut milk and 2 tbs Coles Finest Pure Canadian Maple Syrup in a bowl. Cover and place in the fridge for 3 hours or until the mixture thickens. Divide among serving glasses. Top with extra banana, chopped, and drizzle with extra maple syrup.
4. Banana bliss balls
For an easy anytime snack, process 1 banana, mashed, 11/2 cups (135g) Coles Rolled Oats, 1 tbs honey, 1 tbs tahini and 1 tbs chia seeds in a food processor until combined. Roll 1-tbs portions of the mixture into balls and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Roll in Coles Desiccated Coconut or sesame seeds to coat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
5. Chocolate and banana smoothies
Craving something creamy and delicious? Try this two-tone treat. Place 2 bananas, frozen, chopped, in a blender with 2 cups (500ml) milk, 2 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1 tbs maple syrup and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste and blend until smooth. Pour half the mixture between 2 serving glasses. Place in the freezer. Add 1 tbs cocoa powder to the remaining smoothie mixture and blend until smooth. Pour over the banana mixture and top with sliced banana.
6. Banana and raspberry nicecream pops
These 2-ingredient iceblocks are super easy to make. To start, place a bowl in the freezer to chill. Process 3 bananas, frozen, chopped, in a food processor until very smooth. Transfer to the chilled bowl. Place 1 cup Coles Frozen Raspberries, just thawed, in the processor and process until smooth. Grease 6 holes of a silicone muffin pan. Add the raspberry puree to the banana in the bowl and gently fold to marble. Spoon into the prepared holes and smooth the surface. Insert an iceblock stick in each hole. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm.