Desserts
Gabonese Beignets de Banane
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 4 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 150 g (1 1/4 cups) flour
- 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, flour, sugar, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt into a thick batter.
- Heat about 2 cm (3/4 in) of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Introduction: Made from ripe, sweet bananas, these fritters are a favourite everyday dessert and treat across Gabon, sold by street vendors and made at home alike, prized for their crisp edges and soft, naturally sweet centre.
Cultural Background: Made from ripe, sweet bananas, these fritters are a favourite everyday dessert and treat across Gabon, sold by street vendors and made at home alike, prized for their crisp edges and soft, naturally sweet centre.
Tips: Use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
Variations: A pinch of cinnamon or a few grates of orange zest can be added to the batter for extra fragrance. Naturally vegetarian and vegan as written.
Storage: Best eaten fresh; store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Warm in a dry skillet or oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
Nutrition: Approx. 200 kcal, 3 g protein, 6 g fat, 34 g carbohydrates per serving (2 fritters).
FAQs:
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Baking will give a softer, less crisp result, but you can bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes on a greased tray as a lighter alternative.
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