Sweet Potato & Banana Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Potato & Banana Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a comforting, subtly sweet Indian dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Sweet Potato & Banana Milk (or Sakare Badnekai Bale Hannu as my grandmother used to call it!) is a childhood favorite of mine. It’s warm, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy evening. I first made this myself when I was craving something my aaji (grandmother) used to make, and it instantly brought back so many happy memories. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a hug in a glass! It’s incredibly simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to use up sweet potatoes, and the banana adds a lovely natural sweetness and creaminess. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a lighter dessert that still feels indulgent. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be vegan or sugar-free too – more on that later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Potato & Banana Milk:

• 1-2 medium red skinned sweet potatoes (about 200-300g)
• As required milk (approximately 250-300ml) – see ingredient notes below!
• 1 banana
• Sugar or jaggery to taste (about 1-2 tablespoons, or 15-30g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Sweet potatoes are the star here, providing a lovely earthy sweetness and beautiful color. Red skinned sweet potatoes work wonderfully, but you can experiment with others too.

Now, about the milk! Traditionally, cow’s milk is used, but you can absolutely use buffalo milk for a richer, creamier result. My friend, Priya, swears by using almond milk for a lighter, nuttier flavor. Feel free to choose what you prefer!

And finally, the sweetener. I usually use jaggery (gur) because I love the caramel-like flavor it adds, but sugar works perfectly well too. Adjust the amount to your liking – everyone has a different sweet tooth!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to making this dreamy drink!

1. First, cut the sweet potatoes into 2-3 pieces each. This helps them cook evenly.
2. In a medium saucepan, boil the sweet potatoes in water over low heat until they’re tender – about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let them cool down a bit.
3. Once cool enough to handle, drain the water, peel the sweet potatoes, and set them aside. Peeling is much easier after boiling!
4. In another saucepan, bring the milk to a boil, then take it off the heat and let it cool down slightly. We don’t want to cook the banana!
5. Now for the magic! In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled milk, banana, peeled sweet potatoes, and sugar (or jaggery).
6. Mash everything together really well until you get a smooth, creamy paste. You can use a potato masher, a fork, or even a blender for a super-smooth texture.
7. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a swirl of fresh cream before serving. Totally optional, but highly recommended!
8. Serve it up! You can enjoy this Sweet Potato & Banana Milk warm or chilled – it’s delicious either way.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overboil the sweet potatoes, or they’ll become mushy.
• Cooling the milk slightly before adding the banana prevents it from cooking and changing the flavor.
• If you want a really smooth drink, blend all the ingredients together instead of mashing.
• A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work great.
• Sugar-Free Adaptation: Instead of sugar or jaggery, use a few dates (soaked in warm water to soften) or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a warming, aromatic twist. My mom always adds a tiny bit of nutmeg!
• Festival Adaptation: This is a lovely drink to serve during Janmashtami, or as a comforting treat during cooler months. It’s especially nice on a rainy day.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Potato & Banana Milk is wonderful on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• A sprinkle of chopped nuts (pistachios or almonds are lovely)
• A side of dry fruits
• A light biscuit or cookie

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It might thicken slightly when chilled, so you can add a splash of milk to thin it out before serving.

FAQs

Is this recipe suitable for babies/toddlers?

Yes, it is! Just ensure the sweet potatoes are very well cooked and mashed to a smooth consistency. You might want to skip the added sugar or jaggery for babies.

Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While red skinned sweet potatoes are my preference, you can use orange sweet potatoes or even Japanese sweet potatoes. The color and flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What is the best way to peel the sweet potatoes after boiling?

Running the boiled sweet potatoes under cold water makes the skin slip off easily. You can also use a small knife to gently peel them.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can boil and peel the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply blend everything together when you’re ready to serve.

What are the health benefits of sweet potato and banana together?

Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A and fiber, while bananas are a great source of potassium. Together, they provide a good dose of nutrients and energy!