Many flavors and foods pair wonderfully with bananas, ranging from classic combinations to more adventurous pairings. Here's a breakdown of what tastes good with bananas:
Classic Combinations
These well-known pairings are popular for a reason:
- Chocolate: The rich, bittersweet flavor of chocolate complements the sweetness of bananas perfectly.
- Rum: The warm, complex notes of rum create a delicious pairing, especially in desserts.
- Coconut: The tropical flavors of coconut enhance the banana's inherent sweetness and provide a delightful texture.
- Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of cream beautifully complements the soft texture of a banana.
Other Complementary Flavors
Beyond the classics, these combinations also work well:
- Tropical Fruits: Bananas pair naturally with other tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and papayas.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses notes in brown sugar enhance the caramelized flavors of baked or fried bananas.
- Nuts: The nutty taste and crunchy texture of almonds, pecans, or walnuts complement bananas.
- Caramel: The sweet, buttery taste of caramel enhances bananas, creating a delightful treat.
- Yogurt: Yogurt's tangy flavor provides a contrast to the banana's sweetness.
Surprising Pairings
Some less common pairings that work surprisingly well:
- Chicken: While unusual, bananas can add a sweet note to savory dishes, especially in Caribbean or Asian-inspired cuisine.
- Coriander: Also known as Cilantro, this herb can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of bananas, especially in certain global cuisines.
- Cinnamon: The warm, spice notes of cinnamon complement the banana's flavor profile beautifully, especially in baked goods.
- Cardamom: The aromatic and slightly citrusy notes of cardamom can add an exotic dimension to dishes with banana.
Examples of Good Combinations
| Combination | Type | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Banana with Chocolate | Dessert | Sweetness meets bitterness, a universally loved combination. |
| Banana with Rum | Dessert | Warm, boozy notes pair well with banana's sweetness. |
| Banana with Nuts and Brown Sugar | Breakfast, Dessert | Provides texture and enhances natural sweetness. |
| Banana with Chicken & Coriander | Savory | Sweet and savory contrast with a herby element. |
Conclusion
In summary, bananas are quite versatile and can pair with a variety of flavors both sweet and savory. As referenced, classic combinations include chocolate, rum, coconut, and cream. However, also to consider are other popular pairings such as tropical fruits, brown sugar, nuts, caramel, and yogurt. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected flavor pairings such as chicken, coriander, cinnamon and cardamom.
