Balehannu rasayana is a traditional banana salad made with ripe banana and coconut. This refined sugar-free dish is sweetened with jaggery and honey and can be put together in less than 10 minutes. Balehannu means banana in Kannada and 'rasa' means juice in Sanskrit. Balehannu rasayana is a Karnataka-style juicy ripe banana salad that is perfect for festivals and vrat (fasting).
All the ingredients that go into making this rasayana compliments each other very well without overpowering each other. This versatile dish can not only be served as a dessert, but it can also be served as a side dish too and goes very well with roti or chapati too. Read on for ingredients, variations, and tips for making this authentic recipe.
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Why you will love this recipe?
- Nutritious: Ripe bananas, the primary ingredient, are rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber.
- Rejuvenating properties: As a rasayana preparation in Ayurveda, Balehannu Rasayana is believed to have rejuvenating properties and is considered nourishing.
- Energy Boost: This banana salad can be consumed as a natural source of energy. The natural sugars present in ripe bananas provide a quick source of energy, making them an ideal choice for individuals who need an energy boost.
- Easy to prepare: Balehannu rasayana is simple to prepare, requiring no cooking. Chopping ripe bananas and combining them with other ingredients can be done quickly, making it a convenient option for incorporating into a daily routine.
Ingredients
Banana: Use ripe bananas to make rasayana.
Jaggery and honey: I use jaggery powder and little honey to sweeten this dish.
Cashew and raisins: They add texture. You may add almonds too which goes well with rasayana.
Coconut: I use fresh coconut. Desiccated or dried coconut can be used but the rasayana tastes best with fresh coconut.
Cardamom powder: This is optional but adding it adds a nice aroma and flavor.
Roasted poppy seeds: This is also an optional ingredient. Dry roast the poppy seeds until it is lightly golden before adding.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Peel and chop the banana. Place them in a bowl. Add jaggery powder and honey. Mix well.
Step 2: Add coconut, roasted sesame seeds, cardamom powder, cashew, and raisins. Mix well taking care not to mash the bananas.
Banana rasayana is ready to be served.
Variations
A small amount of milk can be added. If you want to add milk to rasayana, use full-fat milk. Also, make sure the milk is cold.
You may skip honey to make it vegan-friendly. If you want to use milk, any nut-based milk can be used. Almond milk and coconut milk work well for this dish.
Useful tips
Use bananas that are just ripe. We need the bananas to hold their shape. Overripe bananas can make the rasayana mushy.
If you are adding poppy seeds, first dry roast them until lightly golden and cool completely. Do not add the poppy seeds without roasting them.
Rasayana is ready in less than 10 minutes and is very easy to put together. It is best to serve it fresh. Make small amounts that you will use immediately as it loses their taste if stored.
Desiccated or dried coconut can be used instead of fresh coconut but this dish tastes best with fresh coconut.
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Recipe card
Balehannu Rasayana (Indian Banana Salad)
Ingredients
- 2 bananas ripe
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon jaggery
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ cup coconut fresh
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon cashew chopped
- 1 tablespoon raisin
Instructions
- Dry roast poppy seeds until it is golden. Let it cool completely
- Peel and chop the banana. Place them in a bowl
- Add jaggery powder and honey. Mix well
- Add roasted sesame seeds, coconut, cardamom powder, cashew, and raisins
- Mix well taking care not to mash the bananas
- Serve immediately
Jacqui says
I eat this for lunch regularly because it’s so delicious!
nancy says
this recipe is lovely and isn't too sweet