Cinnamon Bananas
The next time you’re jonesing for a sweet treat, try this easy Cinnamon Bananas recipe. It’s made with naturally sweet bananas, healthy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and uses a touch of honey.
A lower-calorie riff on bananas flambe — hold the alcohol, butter, and several tablespoons of sugar — this version enhances the already-sweet nature of ripe bananas through caramelization. This cooking process draws out the sugars in a food, cooking them until they brown. Caramelizing the bananas adds a lightly sweet crust to the warmed fruit slices, and makes it unnecessary to add any more sweetener than a couple of teaspoons of raw honey.
Spices are having their “it” moment these days — it’s hard to find a trendy savory recipe that doesn’t include turmeric. Cinnamon and nutmeg are part of this special spice club; both contain free-radical fighting antioxidants. Plus, it can make your house smell like the holidays year-round!
In addition to being a simple and healthy dessert or snack, this recipe is also a tasty way to get rid of those squishy, slightly overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter. It’s also a lower-carb, lower-calorie way to taste all of the comforting flavors of banana bread without feeling weighed down by flour. A serving of our Cinnamon Bananas has just 73 calories and 19g of carbs; an average slice of banana bread contains 196 calories and 33g of carbs.
Total Time: 21 min. Prep Time: 15 min. Cooking Time: 6 min. Makes 4 servings, about ⅓ cup each
Ingredients: 2 tsp. raw honey 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg Nonstick cooking spray 2 large ripe bananas, cut into ½-inch slices
Instructions: 1. Combine honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside. 2. Heat medium nonstick skillet, lightly coated with spray, over medium-high heat. 3. Add bananas; cook, gently stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Add honey mixture; cook, gently stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bananas are well coated and soft. 5. Serve immediately.
Tip: Use a nonstick coconut spray for additional flavor.
