Vikas Khanna recreates steamed banana prasad that Lata Mangeshkar loved

In the 35+ years of his culinary journey, chef Vikas Khanna has cooked for many greats. One such, he recently shared, was the Nightingale of India, singer Lata Mangeshkar. On her request for a prasad for her prayers, the chef prepared a luscious, steamed banana prasad. He shared the anecdote, “Many years ago, I think 2013 Lata ji invited me to Prabhu Kunj, and she asked me to cook prasad for the prayers. My heart’s wish was granted. I steamed baby bananas stuffed with jaggery-coconut-cardamom-sesame seeds. As we are celebrating her legacy in Ayodhya, I wanted to share the simple recipe that Didi loved.”

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s how steamed bananas make for a great sweet treat.

According to clinical dietitian Garima Goyal, this cooking method not only enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit but also preserves essential nutrients, making it a favourable choice for those mindful of their well-being.

“Steaming helps retain water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, which can be sensitive to heat. By preserving these vitamins, steamed bananas offer a more comprehensive nutritional profile compared to their counterparts cooked through other means,” she added.

Goyal explained that bananas, in their raw state, are already a nutrient-packed fruit. “They are a rich source of potassium, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining proper heart function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance in the body. Potassium also supports nerve signaling and helps regulate blood pressure. Additionally, bananas contain dietary fibre, primarily in the form of pectin, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.”

Steamed banana can help (Source: Freepik)

Moreover, steamed bananas, with their inherent sweetness, eliminate the need for additional sugar, making them a wholesome alternative for those aiming to reduce their sugar consumption. “Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a creative dish, steamed bananas offer a guilt-free dessert option that aligns with a balanced and nutritious eating plan,” said Goyal.

Chef Vikas Khanna demonstrated the recipe

Ingredients 

– Ripe bananas (1 per serving)
– 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or your preference)
– 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom

Method

*Take bananas. Cut the ends of medium-sized bananas.
*Prick a hole in the middle of each of these bananas.
*Now desiccated coconut.
*In a pan, melt jaggery, add desiccated coconut, add cardamom powder, and add ghee.
*Toast it with white and black sesame seeds.
*Once the mixture comes together, put it in the hole and steam the bananas.
*The prasad is prepared.

 

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