Banana kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made by boiling mashed or chopped bananas with milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. It is a lesser-known variation of the classic rice or semolina kheer but is just as delicious – often made as a quick sweet treat or during religious festivals and fasting days.
About Banana Kheer Recipe
Banana Kheer is a sweet, creamy Indian dessert made with ripe bananas, milk, sugar or jaggery, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and cashew nuts. This Kheer is nutritious to eat. In India, this recipe is made as a sweet dish during festivals.
This type of kheer was known as “payasam” or “payas” in ancient India, which was made from sugar or jaggery, milk and rice.
Over time, different types of kheer were made by mixing various fruits and other ingredients.
Therefore, it can be estimated that banana kheer must have been made in South India and Maharashtra for the past hundreds of years or since medieval times.
Ingredients
. 500 ml milk
. 2 ripe banana.(one mashed and one finely chopped)
. 2 tbsp cashew+ almond powder
. 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
. 8-10 strings of saffron (soaked in lil milk)
. 4 tbsp Sugar
. 4 to 5 tablespoons of milk cream
Some Almonds, pista and raisins for garnishing
How To Make Banana Kheer Recipe step by step instructions
1. First peel two bananas and mash them. And chop 2 to 3 bananas finely. Then chop the cashews finely. Heat 2 tablespoons of milk. And soak the saffron threads in it. This is optional.
2. Pour the milk into a thick-bottomed pan and boil the milk on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from burning. Be careful not to let the milk curdle.
3. In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add cashews and raisins to it. Fry on low flame for a minute till golden brown. Keep aside for garnishing and adding texture.
4. Add milk cream to the heated milk. Stir for 2 minutes until the milk and milk cream are combined. Then add the finely chopped banana and mashed banana. Mix the entire mixture with a spoon. Do all this on low heat.
5. Add sugar to it as per taste. Add finely ground cardamom powder to it. If you want to use saffron milk then add it. And cook this mixture by stirring for 3 to 4 minutes. Cook on low flame while cooking.
6. Keep the banana Kheer off the gas pan to cool. Once it cools down, add the fried almonds, cashews, raisins to the Kheer. Mix and serve in a Kheer bowl. The nutritious banana Kheer is ready to eat.
Banana Kheer Recipe Pro Tips
1. Choose the Right Bananas
Use ripe yet firm bananas overripe ones may turn mushy and affect texture.
For authentic South Indian flavor, try Nendran bananas (Kerala banana), or use robusta if unavailable.
2. Mash Smoothly or Blend
Mash the banana finely or blend into a smooth puree to avoid lumps in the kheer.
If you prefer texture, keep a few small banana chunks for contrast.
3. Cook Bananas Separately
Lightly sauté the mashed banana in ghee before adding to milk. This enhances aroma and prevents a raw taste.
4. Boil and Thicken the Milk
Simmer full-fat milk on low heat until it reduces slightly. This gives a rich, traditional kheer base. Stir often to avoid sticking or burning.
5. Add Sugar Carefully
Add sugar after bananas are mixed in, as bananas add natural sweetness
Taste before adding sugar you might need less than you think.
6. Use Condensed Milk for Richness (Optional)
A tablespoon or two of sweetened condensed milk deepens flavor and adds creaminess.
7. Spices Matter
Add a pinch of cardamom powder (elaichi) it pairs beautifully with banana and milk. Optional: a dash of nutmeg for warmth.
8. Add Dry Fruits the Right Way
Fry cashews, raisins, or almonds in ghee and add on top before serving.
Don’t mix them too early they might lose their crunch.
9. Chill It (or Serve Warm)
Tastes great both warm and chilled refrigerate for a few hours if you like a cold dessert. Note: chilling thickness the kheer further.
10. Don’t Overcook After Adding Banana
Once banana is added, simmer only for a few minutes overcooking can curdle milk or make banana bitter.
Health Benefits Of Banana Kheer
1. Rich in Potassium and Energy Bananas are high in potassium, essential for heart and muscle function.
They provide natural sugars (glucose, fructose), making kheer a quick energy booster.
2. Good Source of Calcium and Protein Milk is rich in calcium, which supports bone health.
It also provides protein, important for muscle repair and growth.
3. Mood and Brain Booster Bananas contain vitamin B 6 and tryptophan, which support serotonin production great for mood and focus.
4. Digestive Aid
Ripe bananas have natural fiber and act as a gentle laxative, supporting digestion.
If cardamom is used, it helps reduce bloating and improve gut health.
5. Heart-Healthy Fats (if ghee is used) A small amount of ghee provides good fats and supports nutrient absorption when used in moderation.
6. Natural Sweetness Since bananas are naturally sweet, you can reduce added sugar making it diabetic-friendly when portion-controlled.
7. Iron-Rich (with nuts)
Adding cashews, almonds, or raisins boosts iron and healthy fats, improving hemoglobin levels and energy.
Banana Kheer Recipe FAQs
1. What ingredients are used in banana kheer?
Basic ingredients include
. Ripe bananas
. Full-fat milk
. Sugar or jaggery
. Cardamom powder
. Ghee (optional)
. Chopped nuts like cashews and almonds (optional)
. Saffron strands (optional for richness)
2. Should I use mashed or chopped bananas?
Mashed bananas make the kheer creamier. Chopped bananas add texture. You can even combine both for a balanced consistency.
3. How ripe should the bananas be?
Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas may make the kheer overly sweet or mushy and can affect its color and texture.
4. When should I add bananas while cooking?
Add mashed or chopped bananas after boiling and reducing the milk to avoid curdling. Cooking bananas too early may change their flavor and cause the milk to split.
5. How do I prevent the milk from curdling after adding bananas?
Cool the milk slightly before adding bananas. Avoid very sour or overripe bananas. Stir continuously and cook on low flame. Do not add lemon juice, curd, or acidic ingredients with bananas.
6. Can I use condensed milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, condensed milk adds richness and sweetness. Reduce the sugar quantity if using it. Adjust consistency by adding a bit of water or regular milk.
7. What can I substitute for sugar in banana kheer?
You can use
. Jaggery (gud)
. Coconut sugar
. Honey (add after turning off the heat)
. Dates paste
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Mr Anandrao kharat
Indian Testy Recipe
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