Mariola is a traditional Brazilian sweet, commonly made from banana, cashew or guava. Its popularity is due to its sweet flavor and texture that reminds us of childhood and regional traditions. However, with the growing interest in sustainability and the full use of food, a new version of this classic sweet has emerged: banana peel mariola. Using banana peels to prepare this delicious treat is a creative and economical way to value an ingredient that is often discarded. In addition to reducing waste, this recipe transforms an undervalued material into something delicious and nutritious.
Nutritional and Sustainable Benefits of Banana Peel
Banana peels are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are often wasted when we throw this part of the fruit away. These fibers aid digestion and contribute to a feeling of fullness, while antioxidants fight free radicals, protecting the body against chronic diseases. In addition, banana peels contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can help improve mood, and potassium, which is essential for cardiovascular health.
By incorporating banana peels into your diet, you not only benefit from all these nutrients, but you also contribute to the sustainability of the planet. Reducing food waste is an increasingly important practice, and recipes like banana peel mariola are an excellent example of how we can reinvent traditional cuisine to make it more environmentally friendly.
Banana Peel Mariola Recipe: Step by Step
Making banana peel mariola is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients, as well as a little patience to get the sweetness just right. The following recipe is a way to turn banana peels into a tasty and healthy dessert.
To start, you will need two cups of mashed banana peels, one cup of mashed bananas, one cup of sugar, one-quarter cup of wheat flour, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Wash the bananas under running water before removing the peels, making sure they are free of any dirt or residue. Then, blend the peels in a blender with a little water until you get a smooth consistency.
Mix the crushed peels with the mashed bananas, sugar, lemon juice and wheat flour in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and stir constantly until the water evaporates and the mixture begins to thicken, forming a thick paste. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the hard paste stage, which is when it begins to pull away from the bottom of the pan.
Once the dough has reached the ideal consistency, pour it onto a marble surface greased with oil or butter and work the dough into a mariola shape. Cut it into pieces, roll it in sugar and let it dry in the sun, which will give the mariola its characteristic firm texture on the outside and soft on the inside.
Tips to Avoid Excessive Pesticides on Banana Peels
One of the main concerns about using banana peels in cooking is the presence of pesticides, which may be present on the surface of the fruit. To minimize this risk, one alternative is to opt for organic bananas, which are grown without the use of chemical pesticides. Although they may be a little more expensive, organic bananas are a safer choice for consuming peels.
If using organic bananas is not feasible, you can adopt some practices to reduce pesticide residues on the peels. Wash the bananas under running water and gently scrub the peel with a food-safe brush. Another tip is to soak the peels in a solution of water with vinegar or baking soda for about 15 minutes before using them in the recipe.
These simple practices can help ensure that your banana peel mariola is safe to eat, preserving the nutritional benefits of the peel without the risks associated with pesticides.
Varying the Recipe: Adaptations and Usage Suggestions
While banana peel mariola is a delicious recipe on its own, there are several ways to adapt and customize it to suit your taste. For example, you can try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger to the dough to give it an aromatic and even more flavorful touch.
Another idea is to mix the dough with other crushed fruits, such as apple or pineapple, to create a mariola with combined flavors. This variation can add complexity to the recipe and surprise the palate with new textures and flavors.
In addition, banana peel mariola can be used in other desserts or side dishes. Try serving mariola as a side dish for ice cream, yogurt or even as a filling for cakes and pies. The versatility of this recipe allows it to be incorporated into different dishes, further expanding the possibilities of using banana peels.
Comprehensive Use of Food with Flavor and Sustainability
Banana peel mariola is more than just a dessert; it represents a conscious and sustainable approach to cooking. By reusing banana peels, you not only reduce food waste, but you also reap the nutritional benefits that this part of the fruit offers. The recipe is a delicious way to combine tradition and sustainability, resulting in a sweet treat that pleases the palate and contributes to the well-being of the planet.
Whether as a healthy snack or as part of a more elaborate dessert, banana peel mariola is a versatile and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. Try the recipe, share it with friends and family, and encourage others to discover the wonders of using food in its entirety. By adopting practices like these, you will be contributing to a more sustainable world while enjoying incredible, traditional flavors.
Check out other interesting facts about recycling clicking here.
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