11 banana leaf recipes

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.

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.

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.

Brennan's-style banana beignets fried golden in a light beer batter, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with homemade bourbon caramel sauce. A New Orleans classic you can make at home.

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.

Meat loaf tropicale with mashed banana and quick oats in the mix, topped with crisscrossed bacon and orange marmalade glaze. A fruity, island-inspired twist on classic American meatloaf.

Southern-style no-bean chili with 4 lbs of beef, banana peppers, and a 3-hour simmer in beef stock with barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and a deep spice blend. Bold and beanless.

Beet pesto blends roasted beets and sauteed beet greens with toasted walnuts, garlic, banana pepper, and red onion. Vibrant magenta vegetarian pasta sauce or spread that uses the whole beet, root to leaf.

Friendship banana bread made with Amish friendship starter for extra tang and moisture, plus walnuts and a choice of orange zest or vanilla. A sourdough-style banana loaf.

Moist banana loaf cake studded with grated bittersweet chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar. Uses ripe bananas, half-and-half, and real butter for a rich, tender crumb.

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.