Turkish-style Caramelized Bananas

Ingredients

In the original Filipino dish, Banana Cue, the bananas are typically skewered, coated in caramelized sugar, and deep-fried. However, in this Turkish adaptation, we will be caramelizing the bananas in a saucepan, allowing them to cook in a rich caramel sauce infused with Turkish spices. This method creates a softer and more tender texture, while still maintaining the delicious caramelized flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Banana Cue, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe bananas 4 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Chopped pistachios, for garnish (optional) Chopped pistachios, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 30g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the bananas and cut them into halves lengthwise.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, and cardamom. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. 3.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. 4.
   Add the butter to the saucepan and stir until melted.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the banana halves into the saucepan, making sure they are coated with the caramel sauce.
6. 6.
   Cook the bananas for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are caramelized and tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the caramelized bananas from the saucepan and transfer them to a serving plate.
8. 8.
   Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired.
9. 9.
   Serve the Turkish-style caramelized bananas warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bananas — Choose ripe bananas that are firm but not overly soft. This will ensure they hold their shape during the caramelization process.
• Ground cinnamon and cardamom — Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor. If possible, grind whole cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra indulgent twist, serve the Turkish-style caramelized bananas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• If you prefer a thicker caramel sauce, cook the mixture for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramelized bananas before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-style caramelized bananas warm as a dessert or a sweet snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the caramelized bananas on a serving plate, drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors of the bananas and the pistachios will create an eye-catching presentation.