Steamed Banana
A wonderfully simple and traditional Keralan snack, 'Pazham Puzhungiyathu'. Ripe Nendran bananas are steamed until perfectly soft and fragrant, enhancing their natural sweetness. This wholesome dish is ideal for all ages, from babies to adults, and is ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the steamer
- a.Pour about 2 cups of water into a steamer pot, an idli cooker, or a large pot with a steamer basket. Ensure the water level is below the basket. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
While the water heats, wash the Nendran bananas thoroughly
- a.Using a knife, trim off both the top and bottom ends. This helps the steam to cook the banana evenly.
- 3
Carefully place the whole bananas on the steamer rack or plate
- a.Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between them for steam to circulate freely.
- 4
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10-12 minutes
- a.The bananas are perfectly cooked when their skin turns a dark, almost blackish color and you see splits or cracks appearing along the peel.
- 5
Turn off the heat
- a.Using tongs, carefully remove the hot bananas from the steamer and place them on a plate. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes until they are safe to handle. Peel back the skin and serve warm, either plain or with an optional drizzle of ghee.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to this dish is using ripe Nendran bananas (also known as Kerala plantains). Look for ones with yellow skin and some black spots, which indicate sweetness. Avoid green or overly mushy bananas.
- 2The best indicator of doneness is the skin splitting open. You can also gently pierce one with a fork; it should feel very soft.
- 3If you don't have a steamer, you can place a small metal stand or trivet in a pressure cooker or large pot, add water, and place the bananas on a plate on top of the stand. Cook without the whistle/weight for 10 minutes.
- 4For infants and toddlers, mash the warm, steamed banana with a fork to create a smooth, easily digestible puree.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweet Drizzle
Instead of ghee, drizzle with a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or melted jaggery for extra sweetness.
Spiced BananaSpiced Banana
After peeling, sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cardamom (elaichi) powder over the warm banana for a fragrant twist.
Nutty ToppingNutty Topping
Garnish with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for added texture and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Digestive Health
Steaming breaks down complex carbohydrates and fibers like pectin, making the banana very easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. It's often recommended during recovery from illness.
Rich in Potassium
Nendran bananas are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, and support proper nerve and muscle function.
Natural Energy Source
Packed with natural sugars and complex carbohydrates, steamed bananas provide a quick yet sustained energy boost without causing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels.
Boosts Immunity
Bananas contain Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, which are crucial for a healthy immune system and help the body fight off infections.
Frequently asked questions
Nendran bananas (Kerala plantains) are traditionally used and yield the best results due to their firm texture and unique flavor that sweetens upon cooking. Regular bananas can become too mushy.