If you were asked to name Kentucky’s most famous dish, banana croquettes might not be at the top of your list. Alternatively, you could mention his Kentucky Benedict sandwich or his Mint Julep, two of his staples at the Kentucky Derby. Hot brown is also famous. But where does a banana croquette wrapped in mayonnaise and sprinkled with peanuts rank? Probably not at all.
Indeed, this dish is little known outside of the Bluegrass State. Even some Kentuckians may be unfamiliar with it. However, in some fellowship halls, community picnic pavilions, and small town eateries, banana croquettes are served and loved.
This dish is, well, interesting. That’s the best way to describe it on our scale. The Miracle Whip coating is sweet and tangy, and the peanuts provide a salty and crunchy contrast to the creamy banana underneath. In some ways, it’s reminiscent of a banana and mayonnaise sandwich, but the crunchy peanuts add a savory nutty flavor and, of course, crunch.
There seem to be two approaches to this “banana salad”.
- Roll the banana halves with Miracle Whip and add chopped peanuts.
- Make a sweet salad dressing, roll the banana halves, and add chopped peanuts.
I took the Miracle Whip approach, but added a little sugar and vinegar to get it closer to the flavor of a cooked dressing. Everyone, including us, prepares this dish a little differently, but it’s another Southern classic that can certainly be appreciated for its clever use of common ingredients. I hope you open your eyes.
