11 banana leaf recipes

Otak otak: Southeast Asian fish mousse with a lemongrass-galangal-chili spice paste and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. Each packet holds a shrimp inside a fragrant, spiced fish paste.

Banana loaf with lemon zest, dried apricots, and nuts in a moist quick bread batter. A citrus-bright twist on classic banana bread with chewy fruit pieces throughout.

Traditional Filipino bibingka made with sticky mochi rice, coconut milk, and dark brown sugar baked on banana leaves. Chewy, sweet, and caramelized on top with a broiled golden crust.

Berry banana smoothie blended thick and frosty from frozen banana, mixed berries, orange juice, and a spoonful of vanilla yogurt. A naturally sweet, no-milk breakfast or after-school drink kids love.

Mixed fruit salad with apples, bananas, pineapple, and raisins in a light lemon-mayo dressing. A low-calorie, diabetic-friendly side dish with a celery crunch.

Red grapes with a creamy banana-yogurt sauce spiked with rum, served in wine glasses with mint or pistachios. A healthy, elegant no-cook dessert in 10 minutes.

Frozen summer fruit punch made by freezing pineapple, orange, and banana juice into a slush, then topping with strawberries and lemon-lime soda. Crowd-sized recipe serves 30.

Mashed sweet potatoes blended with roasted bananas, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. A naturally creamy, butter-free holiday side that skips the marshmallow fluff.

Traditional Vietnamese herb and vegetable platter with fresh mint, cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, cucumber, and tropical fruits. The essential accompaniment for pho, banh mi, and spring rolls.

Bone broth caribou soup loaded with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnip, and cabbage, seasoned with juniper berries and white wine. Even better the next day.

Banana bread made with Grape-Nuts cereal for crunch, egg substitute, buttermilk, and corn syrup. A lower-fat banana loaf with nutty texture and no butter or oil needed.