Lao-style Bananas

Lao-style Bananas Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from Laos

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lao-style Bananas is a delicious and exotic dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the tangy flavors of lime and orange liqueur. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a unique and flavorful dessert experience.

History

Lao-style Bananas is a traditional dessert from Laos, a country in Southeast Asia known for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine. Bananas are a common fruit in Laos, and this recipe showcases how they can be transformed into a decadent and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of shredded fresh coconut
60 g / 2 oz of unsalted butter
1 tbsp of grated ginger root
grated zest of 1 orange
6 bananas
60 g / 2 oz of caster sugar
4 tbsp of fresh lime juice
6 tbsp of orange liqueur
3 tsp of toasted sesame seeds
lime slices, to decorate
ice cream, to serve

How to prepare

Heat a small non-stick frying pan until it is hot.
Add the coconut and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it is lightly colored.
Remove the coconut from the pan and allow it to cool.
Heat the butter in a large saucepan until it melts.
Add the ginger and orange zest and mix well.
Peel and slice the bananas lengthwise.
Place the bananas cut-side down in the butter mixture and cook for 1 – 2 minutes or until the sauce mixture starts to become sticky.
Turn the bananas to coat them in the sauce.
Remove the bananas from the pan and place them on heated serving plates.
Keep the bananas warm.
Return the pan to the heat and add the orange liqueur, stirring well to blend.
Ignite the mixture with a taper, allow the flames to die down, then pour it over the bananas.
Sprinkle the bananas with the coconut and sesame seeds and serve immediately, decorated with slices of lime.

Variations

For a tropical twist, try adding a splash of coconut milk to the sauce mixture.
For a boozy kick, substitute rum for the orange liqueur in this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Be careful when igniting the orange liqueur, as it can create a large flame. Use caution and keep a safe distance from the pan.

- Serve the bananas immediately after preparing them, as they are best enjoyed warm.

Serving Suggestions

Lao-style Bananas can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent and indulgent dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing the bananas in butter and flambeing them with orange liqueur.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh coconut, you can use desiccated coconut instead.

- If you don't have orange liqueur, you can use rum or brandy as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This recipe is best served immediately after preparing, as the bananas are best enjoyed warm.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lao-style Bananas on heated serving plates and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and lime slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lao-style Bananas pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Lao-style Bananas is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lao-style Bananas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lao-style Bananas contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lao-style Bananas contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lao-style Bananas contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and nuts (sesame seeds). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Lao-style Bananas is a moderately high-calorie dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It also provides some essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Lao-style Bananas. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Laos. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dessert for a family gathering.

As we stood side by side, peeling and slicing the ripe bananas, my grandmother began to tell me the story behind this unique dish. She explained that Lao-style Bananas were a traditional dessert that had been passed down through generations in our family. The recipe was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few.

As we worked together, my grandmother shared with me the importance of using fresh, locally grown bananas for this dish. She taught me how to carefully slice the bananas into thin rounds, ensuring that each piece was uniform in size. She also showed me how to prepare the coconut milk mixture, a sweet and creamy concoction that would serve as the perfect complement to the bananas.

As the bananas simmered in the coconut milk, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, my grandmother shared with me the memories of her own childhood. She spoke of the long summer days spent in the fields, harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables for the family meals. She recalled the laughter and joy that filled their home as they gathered around the table to enjoy a delicious meal together.

As we sat down to taste the finished dish, I was struck by the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bananas were tender and sweet, while the coconut milk added a rich and creamy element to the dish. I could see why this recipe had been treasured for so many years, passed down from one generation to the next.

In the years that followed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create my own unique dishes. But no matter how many recipes I tried, the Lao-style Bananas always held a special place in my heart. They reminded me of my grandmother and the love and care she had poured into teaching me the art of cooking.

As I grew older and started my own family, I made sure to pass down this cherished recipe to my own children. I shared with them the story of how I had learned to make Lao-style Bananas from my grandmother, and the memories we had created together in the kitchen.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing this beloved dessert for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the traditions and recipes that have been handed down through the generations. The simple act of cooking has not only nourished our bodies, but has also strengthened the bonds between us, connecting us to our past and shaping our future.

And as I take a bite of the sweet and creamy Lao-style Bananas, I am filled with a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that the love and memories we have shared in the kitchen will continue to live on for years to come.