Are you looking for a comforting breakfast or brunch recipe that you can easily make at home
If so, then you’re in luck! Banana grits is a delicious and simple dish that will have your family asking for more.
What is Banana Grits?
Banana grits is a traditional Southern breakfast dish that consists of cooked grits, butter, and mashed bananas. It can be served either hot or cold, and is usually served as a side dish or a main course.
Banana grits is a comforting and delicious dish that is easy to make and can be made in a variety of ways. It is a great way to use up leftover bananas and is a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables.
Why You’ll Love this Banana Grits?
There are so many reasons why you’ll love this banana grits recipe. It is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. It is also an economical dish and can be made with pantry staples that are already in your kitchen. Additionally, this banana grits recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
Furthermore, banana grits is a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables. Grits are made from ground corn and are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The mashed bananas add a creamy sweetness and help to balance out the savory flavor of the grits.
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The Ingredients
4 Ripe Bananas: Bananas add sweetness, moisture, and a distinct flavor to the grits. They also contribute to the creamy texture of the dish when mashed and mixed in.
1⁄2 tsp Vietnamese Cinnamon: Vietnamese cinnamon provides a warm, spicy flavor that compliments the sweetness of the bananas. It adds depth and complexity to the overall taste of the dish.
10 cups Stone-ground Grits: This is the base ingredient and primary component of the recipe. Grits are a staple in this dish, providing a hearty, grainy texture that holds the other ingredients together.
4 cups Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tanginess and richness to the grits. It helps to tenderize the texture and adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
½ cup Organic Cane Sugar: Sugar sweetens the dish further, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bananas. It contributes to the overall flavor profile and ensures a pleasant sweetness in every bite.
6 tbsp European Unsalted Butter: Butter enriches the grits, adding a creamy and luscious texture. It also infuses a rich, buttery flavor that compliments the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
½ cup Toasted Chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans): The toasted nuts provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that contrasts with the creamy grits. They add a delightful crunch and depth to the dish.
½ cup Golden Raisins: Raisins add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture to the grits. They also infuse the dish with a subtle fruity flavor, complementing the bananas and sugar.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Grits:
Begin by cooking the stone-ground grits as directed on the package. Typically, this involves boiling water (or a mix of water and buttermilk for added richness) and stirring in the grits. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom.
Step 2 – Melt Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. It’s important to keep it warm while continuing with the recipe.
Step 3 – Prepare Bananas:
Peel ripe bananas and slice them into thin rounds. Set these aside for later use.
Step 4 – Flavor the Grits:
Once the grits are fully cooked and creamy, it’s time to enhance their flavor. Stir in organic cane sugar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and buttermilk. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
Step 5 – Add Bananas and Cinnamon:
Gently fold the sliced bananas into the hot grits. Sprinkle Vietnamese cinnamon evenly over the mixture. Stir carefully to ensure the bananas and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the grits.
Step 6 – Toast Nuts:
Using a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped nuts until they become fragrant and achieve a slight golden hue. Keep a close watch to prevent burning; this should only take a few minutes.
Step 7 – Serve:
Once the bananas have softened and incorporated well with the grits (usually around 2-3 minutes), remove the pot from the heat. This allows the flavors to meld.
Step 8 – Garnish:
Serve the prepared banana grits in bowls or a serving dish. Top each portion with a sprinkle of the toasted nuts and golden raisins for a delightful finish.
Notes
– Make sure to stir the grits occasionally while they are cooking to ensure that they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
– For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk while the grits are cooking.
– If you’d like to add more flavor, you can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar to the grits.
– If you’re serving the banana grits cold, you can add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for added flavor.
– If you’d like to add a bit of crunch to the banana grits, you can top them with chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes.
– For a heartier dish, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even grilled shrimp to the banana grits.
Nutrition Information
One serving of banana grits contains approximately 462 calories, 17 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein.
How to store Banana Grits?
Banana grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the banana grits in a pot on the stove and heat until warm.
Variations
– Cheesy Grits: You can add shredded cheese to the banana grits for an extra cheesy flavor.
– Sweet Grits: You can add honey or maple syrup to the grits for a sweeter flavor.
– Savory Grits: You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even grilled shrimp to the banana grits for a heartier dish.
– Herbed Grits: You can add fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or oregano to the grits for added flavor.
– Fruity Grits: You can also add diced apples, pears, or peaches to the grits for a fruity flavor.
– Nutty Grits: You can top the banana grits with chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes for a bit of crunch.
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- ½ tsp Vietnamese Cinnamon
- 10 cups Stone-ground Grits
- 4 Ripe Bananas
- 4 cups Buttermilk
- ½ cup Organic Cane Sugar
- ½ cup Golden Raisins
- 6 tbsp European Unsalted Butter
- ½ cup Toasted Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans
Instructions
- Cook the stone-ground grits according to the package instructions. Use water or a combination of water and buttermilk for added creaminess. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Keep it warm while preparing the other ingredients.
- Peel and slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds.
- Once the grits are cooked and creamy, stir in the organic cane sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and buttermilk. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Gently fold in the sliced bananas into the hot grits. Sprinkle the Vietnamese cinnamon over the mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the bananas and cinnamon evenly.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped nuts until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the bananas have softened and melded with the grits (about 2-3 minutes), remove the pot from heat.
- Serve the banana grits in bowls or a serving dish. Top each portion with a sprinkle of toasted nuts and golden raisins.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the grits occasionally while they are cooking to ensure that they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk while the grits are cooking.
- If you’d like to add more flavor, you can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar to the grits.
- If you’re serving the banana grits cold, you can add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for added flavor.
- If you’d like to add a bit of crunch to the banana grits, you can top them with chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes.
- For a heartier dish, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even grilled shrimp to the banana grits.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long do banana grits last in the refrigerator?
A. Banana grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Q2. Is banana grits a healthy dish?
A. Banana grits is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a good source of protein and can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet.
Q3. Can banana grits be served cold?
A. Yes, banana grits can be served either hot or cold.
Q4. What can I do to make banana grits more flavorful?
A. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar to the grits for more flavor. You can also top the banana grits with chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes for a bit of crunch.
Q5. Can banana grits be made ahead of time?
A. Yes, banana grits can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
Q6. Can I add other ingredients to the banana grits?
A. Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even grilled shrimp to the banana grits for a heartier dish. You can also add diced apples, pears, or peaches to the grits for a fruity flavor.
Q7. Is banana grits a vegan dish?
A. Yes, banana grits are a vegan dish as long as you use vegan butter and dairy-free milk.
Conclusion
Banana grits is a delicious and simple dish that is easy to make and uses pantry staples. It is a great way to use up leftover bananas and is a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables.
Banana grits can be served either hot or cold and can be made ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a comforting and delicious dish that your whole family will love.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more