Banana Cream of Wheat Bread
Banana Cream of Wheat Bread Recipe from Liberia | Ingredients: Cream, Bananas, Sugar, Eggs, Nutmeg, Water, Salt, Oil
Introduction
Banana Cream of Wheat Bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread recipes, incorporating the creamy texture of cream of wheat with the natural sweetness and aroma of bananas. This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with different flavors and textures in their baking. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a breakfast option, a snack, or even as a dessert. The combination of bananas and cream of wheat not only makes this bread delicious but also adds a nutritional boost.
History
The history of Banana Cream of Wheat Bread is not well-documented, but it likely evolved from the traditional use of cream of wheat in various cultures as a hearty, nutritious meal. Combining it with bananas, a widely available and popular fruit, was a natural progression to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the bread. This recipe is a modern take on combining simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Slowly add the bananas, egg, water, and oil. Mix well.
- Grease an 8x12 inch pan and pour the batter into it.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the pan and let it cool.
Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk instead of water to add moisture. Adding a handful of walnuts or pecans can provide a crunchy texture and additional nutrients. For those who prefer a sweeter bread, chocolate chips or a cinnamon sugar swirl can be added to the batter before baking.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure the best results, use ripe bananas for the recipe as they are sweeter and mash more easily. When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing as it can make the bread tough. Grease the pan well to prevent sticking, and allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will make the bread easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
This bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a spread of almond butter for added protein and flavor. It can also be enjoyed as is, with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the bread at a moderate temperature allows it to cook through evenly without burning the edges. Ensuring the bananas are thoroughly mashed and mixed well with the wet ingredients helps to distribute the banana flavor throughout the bread.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cream of wheat is not available, semolina or fine cornmeal can be used as a substitute. Maple syrup or honey can replace sugar for a natural sweetener option. Olive oil or coconut oil can be used in place of unsaturated oil depending on preference.
Make Ahead Tips
This bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. It also freezes well; simply slice the bread and freeze the slices individually for a quick and easy snack.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the bread and serve it on a wooden board for a rustic look. Garnish with banana slices and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Banana Cream of Wheat Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages, including milk, coffee, and tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of whipped cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the bread in an airtight container to keep it moist. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly. If frozen, allow the bread to thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A single serving of Banana Cream of Wheat Bread contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a suitable option for a filling breakfast or snack that provides energy without being overly calorific.
Carbohydrates
A serving of Banana Cream of Wheat Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from the cream of wheat, bananas, and sugar, providing a good source of energy.
Fats
This bread contains about 10 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the unsaturated oil used in the recipe. Using unsaturated oil makes this a healthier option compared to recipes that call for butter or saturated fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Banana Cream of Wheat Bread offers around 5 grams of protein. The protein sources in this recipe include eggs and a small amount from the cream of wheat.
Vitamins and minerals
Bananas are a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. The eggs contribute vitamins D, B12, and minerals such as selenium. Together, these ingredients make the bread not only tasty but also nutritionally beneficial.
Alergens
This recipe contains eggs, which are a common allergen. It's also important to note that while cream of wheat is not gluten-free, so those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid this bread.
Summary
Banana Cream of Wheat Bread is a nutritious option that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's enriched with vitamins and minerals from its natural ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for a meal or snack.
Summary
Banana Cream of Wheat Bread is a delightful and nutritious recipe that combines the comforting texture of cream of wheat with the sweet flavor of bananas. It's versatile, easy to make, and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit with its delicious flavor and wholesome ingredients.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Banana Cream of Wheat Bread. It was a lazy summer afternoon, and I was going through my collection of cookbooks, searching for something new to try. As I flipped through the pages of an old, worn cookbook that belonged to my mother, a faded piece of paper slipped out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Banana Cream of Wheat Bread.
I had never heard of such a bread before, but the ingredients intrigued me. Cream of Wheat, bananas, and cinnamon - it sounded like a delicious combination. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.
As I started gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven, memories flooded back to me of all the recipes I have learned over the years. My love for cooking was instilled in me at a young age by my grandmother, who was an amazing cook. She taught me how to make everything from scratch, using fresh ingredients and lots of love.
One of my fondest memories is of the summer I spent with my grandmother in her tiny kitchen, learning how to make her famous apple pie. She would patiently show me how to peel and slice the apples, mix the perfect amount of cinnamon and sugar, and roll out the flakiest pie crust. I can still remember the smell of that pie baking in the oven, filling the house with warmth and sweetness.
As I stirred together the ingredients for the Banana Cream of Wheat Bread, I couldn't help but think of my grandmother and all the delicious meals she had taught me to make. She had a knack for combining simple, everyday ingredients in unexpected ways, creating dishes that were both comforting and delicious.
The aroma of the bread baking in the oven brought back memories of lazy Sunday mornings spent in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her cook up a storm for our family breakfast. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her warm embrace as she handed me a slice of freshly baked bread slathered in butter.
When the bread was finally done baking, I couldn't wait to taste it. The crust was golden and crispy, and the inside was moist and fragrant with the sweet scent of bananas and cinnamon. I sliced off a piece and took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue.
As I enjoyed my first bite of Banana Cream of Wheat Bread, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and all the wonderful memories we had shared in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a way for me to express my love and creativity, and this recipe was no exception.
I knew that this Banana Cream of Wheat Bread would become a new favorite in my recipe collection. It was a reminder of the joy and comfort that cooking can bring, and a testament to the power of family and tradition in the kitchen.
So now, whenever I bake a loaf of Banana Cream of Wheat Bread, I think of my grandmother and the love she poured into every dish she made. And I am grateful for the gift of her recipes, passed down through the generations, that continue to bring joy and nourishment to my family and friends.
Categories
| Banana Recipes | Liberian Desserts | Liberian Recipes | Wheat Recipes |