Beninese Beignets de Banane (Banana Fritters)

Name: Beninese Beignets de Banane (Banana Fritters)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Benin
Ingredients: Very ripe bananas, mashed — 4; All-purpose flour — 150 g (1 cup); Sugar — 50 g (1/4 cup); Baking powder — 1 tsp; Ground nutmeg — 1/2 tsp; Salt — 1 pinch; Vegetable oil, for frying — 500 ml (2 cups); Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

10 min

Prep

15 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Very ripe bananas, mashed — 4
All-purpose flour — 150 g (1 cup)
Sugar — 50 g (1/4 cup)
Baking powder — 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg — 1/2 tsp
Salt — 1 pinch
Vegetable oil, for frying — 500 ml (2 cups)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Method

In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Sift in the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg and salt, folding gently until just combined into a thick batter.
Heat the oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
Drop tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Dust with powdered sugar while still warm and serve.

Introduction: Sweet banana fritters are a favourite treat sold by street vendors across Benin's markets, made from
mashed ripe bananas folded into a light batter and fried until golden.

Cultural Background: Sweet banana fritters are a favourite treat sold by street vendors across Benin's markets, made from
mashed ripe bananas folded into a light batter and fried until golden. They are especially popular during the
rainy season when overripe bananas are plentiful.

Tips: Use bananas that are very ripe with heavily speckled skins – they provide natural sweetness and the
moisture needed for a tender fritter.

Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth and depth.

Vegetarian/Vegan: Already vegetarian; substitute a flax egg is not needed as the recipe contains no eggs and is naturally
vegan-adaptable with a plant-based flour blend.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition: Approx. 140 kcal, 2g protein, 6g fat, 20g carbohydrates per fritter.

FAQs:

Q: Why are my fritters greasy?
A: The oil likely wasn't hot enough – test with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle and rise immediately.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Baking changes the texture significantly, but a well-oiled tray at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes gives a lighter alternative.