Cinnamon Bananas

Cinnamon Bananas Recipe from Tanzania - Delicious and Easy

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cinnamon Bananas are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon creates a comforting and satisfying treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Cinnamon Bananas have been enjoyed for centuries as a simple and tasty dessert. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Ingredients

4 small bananas (or 3 large bananas)
1 tsp flour
0.5 tsp powdered cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 beaten egg
breadcrumbs
2 tbsp peanut oil or (2 oz (57 g) butter)
pigeon peas, optional

How to prepare

Peel and halve the bananas.
Dredge them in a mixture of flour and cinnamon.
Coat them with beaten egg and breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a baking pan until it starts to smoke lightly, then add the bananas. Baste them well.
Bake in a preheated moderate oven for 20 minutes or until they turn brown and become soft. Serve them warm and plain, and optionally garnish with pigeon peas.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of brown sugar or honey for extra sweetness.
Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.

- Be sure to coat the bananas evenly in the flour, cinnamon, egg, and breadcrumbs for a crispy and delicious coating.

- Basting the bananas with butter while baking will help them to caramelize and become extra flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Bananas can be served warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bananas up to the breading stage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cinnamon Bananas on a decorative plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cinnamon Bananas pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cinnamon Bananas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cinnamon Bananas contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cinnamon Bananas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cinnamon Bananas contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cinnamon Bananas contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cinnamon Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and breadcrumbs, and dairy from the butter.

Summary

Cinnamon Bananas are a delicious and nutritious dessert option that is relatively low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cinnamon Bananas are a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy coating of cinnamon and breadcrumbs, these bananas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cinnamon Bananas. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Mary for the summer. Aunt Mary was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was always eager to learn from her in the kitchen.

One hot summer afternoon, Aunt Mary asked me to help her prepare dessert for that evening. As we gathered ingredients from her pantry, she handed me a tattered old recipe card with the words "Cinnamon Bananas" scrawled across the top. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the idea of combining two of my favorite flavors - cinnamon and bananas.

Aunt Mary explained that she had learned the recipe from a friend many years ago, and it had since become a family favorite. She showed me how to slice the bananas and sauté them in butter until they were golden brown and caramelized. Then, we sprinkled them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and fragrant topping that transformed the simple fruit into a decadent dessert.

The first bite of those warm, cinnamon-infused bananas was a revelation. The flavors were so rich and comforting, like a hug from the inside out. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish to be shared with friends and family for years to come.

Over the years, I have made my own adaptations to the recipe, adding a splash of rum or a dollop of whipped cream to make it even more indulgent. Each time I make Cinnamon Bananas, I am reminded of that summer day with Aunt Mary, and the joy of discovering a new and delicious dish.

As I grew older and began to collect recipes of my own, I made sure to include Cinnamon Bananas in my repertoire. It became a go-to dessert for special occasions and gatherings, always eliciting oohs and aahs from my guests. I even passed the recipe down to my own children, who have since made it a tradition in their own homes.

One of the things I love most about cooking is the way it connects us to our past and our loved ones. Every time I make Cinnamon Bananas, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen with Aunt Mary, slicing bananas and sprinkling cinnamon. It is a simple pleasure that brings me so much joy, and I am grateful to have learned this recipe from such a wonderful and talented cook.

In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to have recipes like Cinnamon Bananas that stand the test of time. They are a reminder of the traditions and memories that make our lives rich and full, and I will always treasure the moments spent in the kitchen, learning from the ones I love.