# Banana-Makhana Rabri Bowl

> A rich, creamy, and nourishing dessert made with bananas and milk, naturally thickened with roasted makhana for a wholesome texture. This traditional-style pudding is flavored with aromatic cardamom and crunchy nuts, making it a comforting choice for any time of day.

- Category: Snacks
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Time: 35 min · Serves 2 · Easy
- Per serving: 668 kcal · 13 g protein · 116 g carbs · 17 g fat
- Tags: High Fibre, Calcium, Navratri-Friendly
- Published: 2026-10-14
- Source: https://idyora.com/recipes/banana-makhana-rabri-bowl

## Ingredients

### For the Rabri
- 2 cup milk
- 1 cup makhana
- 2 medium banana, sliced
- 1 tsp cardamom, powdered
- 1 tbsp ghee

### For the Garnish
- 1 tbsp almonds, chopped
- 1 tbsp cashews, chopped
- 1 tbsp raisins

## Method

1. **Roast the Makhana.** Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add 1 cup makhana and roast for about 5 minutes until they turn crisp and light golden. Once done, remove them from the pan and crush them coarsely using the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle.
2. **Simmer the Milk.** Pour 2 cups milk into the same pan and bring it to a gentle boil on medium-low heat. Once bubbling, add the crushed makhana and stir for about 5 minutes. The milk should look slightly frothy and the makhana will begin to soften as they absorb the liquid.
3. **Flavor and Thicken.** Continue to simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it does not stick. Once the milk has reduced and the mixture coats the back of a spoon, stir in 1 tsp cardamom powder until fully incorporated and fragrant.
4. **Assemble and Serve.** Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Gently fold in the 2 sliced medium bananas. Ladle the rabri into bowls and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped almonds, 1 tbsp chopped cashews, and 1 tbsp raisins.

## Tips

- Ensure the bananas are ripe for the best natural sweetness [2].
- Roasting the makhana well is key to achieving the right texture in your rabri [5].
- You can serve this dish warm or chilled depending on your preference.

## How to serve

Serve this warm or chilled in small bowls as a nourishing dessert or snack.

## Nutrients per serving

- Fibre: 6.6g
- Calcium: 321mg
- Iron: 2.6mg
- Sodium: 117mg
- Vitamin C: 54mg

## Why it's good for you

This Banana-Makhana Rabri is a wholesome way to enjoy traditional flavors. Bananas are a source of potassium, a vital mineral that supports heart health by helping to maintain a healthy balance of water in cells [1]. They are also a source of fiber and vitamins, making them a nutritious fruit choice [1].

- Makhana, or fox nuts, are a traditional aquatic plant used in Ayurveda [2] [3]. They are a source of protein and carbohydrates and are low in fat [3]. Research indicates that makhana contains various minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and provides amino acids like glutamic acid and leucine [2].

- By using makhana to thicken the milk, this recipe adds a satisfying texture while incorporating these plant-based nutrients into your diet [3]. The addition of nuts like almonds and cashews further enhances the nutritional profile with healthy fats and additional minerals [4]. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet, and if you have specific dietary concerns, please plan any significant changes to your routine with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

## Sources

1. [Bananas • The Nutrition Source](https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/bananas/) — Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2018
2. [Biochemical Components of Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb) and its Relevance to Anti-obesity Effect in Human](https://exa.ai/library/publication/0fkyzlzy08m) — exa.ai, 2022
3. [Optimization and Storage Study of Rabri Enriched with Date Syrup and Makhana](https://exa.ai/library/publication/gvfqcyvl297) — exa.ai, 2022
4. [How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5756203/) — US National Institutes of Health