Ham Banana Bake

Ham Banana Bake Recipe - A Delicious Indian Fusion Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Ham Banana Bake is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bananas with the savory taste of ham. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or brunch and is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors.

History

The origins of Ham Banana Bake are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. This dish may have been created as a way to use up leftover ham and bananas, combining them in a delicious and unexpected way.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter or margarine, divided
1.5 tbsp flour
1 cup half and half
2 tbsp dry white wine
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp paprika
0.5 to 1 tsp curry powder
2 medium bananas
2 thin slices (6x4 inches) fully-cooked ham (about 2 oz (57 g) each)
1.5 cups hot cooked rice
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan and blend in the flour.
Add half and half, wine, salt, and paprika.
Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in a medium skillet and blend in the curry.
Add bananas and brush them evenly with the curry butter.
Saute over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, sprinkling lightly with salt.
Remove from the skillet and roll each banana in a slice of ham.
Place the ham-wrapped bananas in a shallow 8-inch casserole dish.
Scrape the curry particles from the skillet and add them to the sauce.
Pour the sauce over the ham rolls.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve over beds of fluffy rice and top with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add cooked vegetables such as peas or carrots to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Be careful not to overcook the bananas, as they can become mushy.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham Banana Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing, baking, and making a creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe.

- If you don't have half and half, you can use a mixture of milk and heavy cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and wrap the bananas in ham ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ham Banana Bake on a bed of fluffy rice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham Banana Bake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham Banana Bake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham Banana Bake contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham Banana Bake contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Ham Banana Bake is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham Banana Bake is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is a must-try for any food lover.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a rainy day in the middle of summer, and I was looking through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of my pantry. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for Ham Banana Bake that caught my eye.

I had never heard of such a combination before – ham and bananas? It seemed like an odd pairing, but something about it intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, and so I set off to gather the ingredients.

I gathered a thick slice of ham from the deli, a few ripe bananas, some breadcrumbs, and a handful of grated cheese. As I began to prepare the dish, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years.

I learned to cook from my own grandmother, who was a wonderful cook herself. She had a way of turning the simplest ingredients into the most delicious meals. I remember watching her in the kitchen, mesmerized by the way she moved around with such grace and precision.

As I sliced the bananas and layered them in the baking dish, I couldn't help but think of her. She had always told me that the key to good cooking was to put love and care into every dish. And so, as I added the ham and sprinkled the breadcrumbs on top, I did so with a sense of reverence and gratitude.

As the dish baked in the oven, a wonderful aroma filled the kitchen. The combination of savory ham and sweet bananas mingled together in a way that was surprisingly delicious. When I took the dish out of the oven and tasted it, I was amazed at how well the flavors complimented each other.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family. When they sat down to dinner that evening and took their first bite of the Ham Banana Bake, their eyes lit up with surprise and delight. They couldn't believe how tasty it was, and they couldn't get enough.

From that day on, the Ham Banana Bake became a regular fixture at our family dinners. It became a staple, a dish that was requested time and time again. And every time I made it, I thought back to that rainy summer day when I first discovered the recipe in that old cookbook.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different cheeses and seasonings. But no matter how I change it up, the Ham Banana Bake always brings me back to that sense of wonder and excitement I felt the first time I made it.

I am grateful for all the recipes I have learned over the years, from my grandmother and from others. Each one tells a story, a story of tradition and love passed down through generations. And the Ham Banana Bake is no exception – it is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in trying something new and unexpected.