Candied Banana Fritters

Candied Banana Fritters Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Candied Banana Fritters are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the sweetness of bananas with a crispy, sugary coating. This recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth looking for a unique dessert or snack option.

History

Candied Banana Fritters have been a popular dessert in many Asian countries for centuries. The combination of bananas and sugar has long been a favorite among those looking for a sweet and satisfying treat. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic dish, making it a perfect option for those looking to try something new.

Ingredients

7 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp cold water
1 egg
0.25 cup cornstarch
0.75 cup all-purpose flour, divided
0.33 cup cold water (or enough water to make a thin batter)
5 bananas
6 cups oil for deep-frying (or less if desired)
2 – 3 tbsp sesame seeds, as needed

How to prepare

Heat a wok and add oil for deep-frying.
In a bowl, mix together the sugar and water. Set aside.
Beat an egg in a separate bowl.
Stir in 0.5 cup of cornstarch, 0.5 cup of flour, and up to 0.33 cup of water. Blend well.
Cut each banana on the diagonal into slices that are 1.5 inches thick (4 or 5 slices per banana).
Lightly dust each banana slice with a bit of the remaining 0.25 cup of flour.
Coat each banana slice in the flour batter using your fingers.
Drop the bananas into the hot oil and deep-fry them until they turn golden brown, turning them once.
Remove the fried bananas and drain them on paper towels.
Heat a frying pan and add 1 tbsp of oil.
Give the sugar and water mixture a quick stir again and add it to the frying pan.
Stir the mixture on low heat until the sugar dissolves and turns light brown.
Turn off the heat and add the bananas to the pan, turning them to coat them in the sugar.
Finish off by immediately plunging the bananas into ice-cold water to harden the sugar.
Repeat the process with all the bananas.
Sprinkle the bananas with sesame seeds and serve.

Variations

For a healthier option, try baking the bananas instead of deep-frying them.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a warm and spicy flavor.
Experiment with different coatings such as crushed nuts or shredded coconut for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe bananas for this recipe, as they will be sweeter and more flavorful.

- Be careful when deep-frying the bananas, as hot oil can cause burns. Use caution and keep a close eye on the frying process.

- When coating the bananas in the flour batter, make sure to evenly coat each slice to ensure a crispy texture.

- Be sure to immediately plunge the bananas into ice-cold water after coating them in sugar to harden the sugar quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Candied Banana Fritters can be served as a dessert on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include deep-frying the bananas until golden brown and coating them in a sugar mixture to create a crispy, sweet exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute it with potato starch or arrowroot powder.

- Instead of sesame seeds, you can use chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a different topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the flour batter and sugar mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The bananas should be sliced and coated just before frying to ensure a crispy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Candied Banana Fritters on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a garnish of fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also arrange them on individual plates with a scoop of ice cream for a more elegant dessert option.

Pairing Recommendations

Candied Banana Fritters pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting and satisfying treat. They can also be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for added sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Candied Banana Fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Candied Banana Fritters contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Candied Banana Fritters contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Candied Banana Fritters contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Candied Banana Fritters contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. These essential vitamins and minerals can help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and gluten from the flour, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Candied Banana Fritters are a sweet and indulgent treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. While they may not be the healthiest option, they can be enjoyed in moderation as a special dessert or snack.

Summary

Candied Banana Fritters are a delicious and indulgent dessert option that combines the sweetness of bananas with a crispy, sugary coating. This recipe is perfect for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with a unique and flavorful treat. Enjoy these fritters as a special dessert or snack option that is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her delicious homemade treats, and on that particular day, she had whipped up a batch of the most heavenly Candied Banana Fritters I had ever tasted.

As I savored the crispy, golden-brown fritter, I couldn't help but ask Maria for the recipe. She smiled mischievously and told me it was a closely-guarded family secret that had been passed down for generations. But after a bit of pleading and sweet-talking, Maria finally relented and agreed to share the recipe with me.

She led me to her quaint kitchen, where she pulled out a faded old recipe card from a well-worn recipe box. The card was yellowed with age and covered in splatters of batter and sugar, a testament to the many times it had been used and cherished. As Maria read off the ingredients and instructions, I listened intently, committing every detail to memory.

The secret, she explained, was in the batter – a light and airy mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar. But the real magic happened when the ripe bananas were dipped in a sweet caramel sauce before being coated in the batter and fried to perfection. The result was a crispy, caramelized exterior with a warm, gooey banana center that melted in your mouth.

I couldn't wait to try making the Candied Banana Fritters in my own kitchen. As soon as I returned home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work. The aroma of ripe bananas and caramel filled the air as I carefully dipped each banana slice into the sizzling hot oil, watching as they turned a beautiful golden brown.

When the fritters were done, I sprinkled them with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and arranged them on a platter, just like Maria had done. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with the sweet, crunchy goodness of the fritter. It was just as delicious as I remembered – a perfect blend of flavors and textures that danced on my palate.

From that day on, Candied Banana Fritters became a staple in my kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. But I never forgot the moment when I first learned how to make them from Maria, my dear friend who had graciously shared her family secret with me.

Years passed, and my own recipe box became filled with handwritten cards and faded memories of the recipes I had collected over the years. But the recipe for Candied Banana Fritters remained a favorite, a treasured reminder of the day I learned the secret to making the most delectable treat from someone I loved and admired.

And as I sit here now, reminiscing about that warm summer day and the joy of discovering a new recipe, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. And for that, I am forever grateful.