Crispy Banana Fritters with a Mediterranean Twist

Ingredients

In this Mediterranean adaptation, we infuse the traditional Vietnamese Chuối chiên with Ionian Island flavors. The original recipe is enhanced with Mediterranean spices like oregano and lemon zest, giving the fritters a unique and zesty twist. Additionally, the cooking technique remains the same, deep-frying the fritters to achieve a crispy exterior. We alse have the original recipe for Chuối chiên, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe bananas 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, dried oregano, and lemon zest.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
3. 3.
   Peel the bananas and cut them into halves lengthwise.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Dip each banana half into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated bananas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
7. 7.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. 8.
   Dust the fritters with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bananas — Choose ripe bananas for a sweeter flavor and softer texture.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, serve the fritters with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Experiment with different Mediterranean spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to customize the flavor profile.
• Serve the fritters warm for the best texture and taste.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the fritters in the oven instead of deep-frying them.
• These fritters are best enjoyed immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the crispy banana fritters as a delightful dessert or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden fritters on a serving platter and dust them with powdered sugar. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon zest for an elegant presentation.