Thai-style Baked Bananas

Ingredients

In the original Gabonese dish, the bananas are typically baked with a mixture of palm oil, sugar, and spices. However, in this Thai adaptation, we incorporate Thai spices such as ginger and chili to infuse the bananas with a distinct Thai flavor profile. Additionally, we use coconut oil instead of palm oil to enhance the tropical essence of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Baked Bananas Gabon, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe bananas 4 ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 18g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Peel the bananas and cut them in half lengthwise.
3. 3.
   In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat.
4. 4.
   Add the brown sugar, grated ginger, chili flakes, and salt to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the spices are well combined.
5. 5.
   Place the banana halves in a baking dish and pour the spice mixture over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. 6.
   Bake the bananas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Serve the Thai-style Baked Bananas warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut oil — Make sure to use virgin coconut oil for its distinct tropical flavor.
• Brown sugar — If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the baked bananas before serving.
• If you prefer a milder spiciness, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether.
• Serve the Thai-style Baked Bananas with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.

Serving advice

Thai-style Baked Bananas are best served warm. They can be enjoyed on their own as a delightful dessert or paired with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a creamy and tropical twist.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the warm baked bananas on a serving plate and garnish with fresh mint leaves. The vibrant green color of the mint leaves will add a pop of freshness to the dish.