Broiled or Grilled Bananas

Bananas are a versatile fruit. They make a great snack on toast, a healthy pudding, and are a key ingredient in protein bites and smoothies. It’s no surprise–bananas are high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin C. Plus, they are the perfect easy snack: simply peel and eat!  But this recipe for Broiled or Grilled Bananas takes bananas to another level.

The goal is to maximize the natural sweetness or sugars in bananas but still extract all the health benefits from this versatile fruit. These Broiled or Grilled Bananas use easy ingredients that most people have on hand to create a unique dessert, snack, or brunch dish. It’s super easy to prepare and tastes delicious.

There are a host of toppings that complement this perfectly: Greek yogurt, granola, chopped nuts, or even sweet herbs like finely diced tarragon or rosemary. Try fresh whipped cream, sorbet, chilled pineapple, or homemade vanilla ice cream. This dish works great in any season, so the possibilities are endless!

Broiled or Grilled Bananas

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

To broil:

1. Preheat broiler, outdoor grill, or grill pan.
2. Peel bananas and slice crosswise into ¾ inch thick slices.
3. Mix brown sugar and lemon juice in small bowl and toss with bananas.
4. Spread the coated banana slices in a shallow baking dish or on a sheet pan.
5. Broil as close to the heat source as possible until the sugar melts into a glaze, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve immediately and top with Greek yogurt, honey, cinnamon, granola, sliced almonds or other nuts, or fresh whipped cream or ice cream.

To grill:

1. Spray a grill pan or outdoor grill with vegetable spray. Heat over medium heat.
2. Place cut and coated bananas on center of grill.
3. Grill for 2 minutes or until grill marks appear, approximately 2 to 2 ½ minutes each side. Be careful not to have heat too high or bananas will stick
4. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Top or garnish with frozen yogurt, ice cream, fresh whipped cream, Greek yogurt, honey, granola, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom.

Featured photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron