Chinese Islamic Banana Delight

Ingredients

The Chinese Islamic Banana Delight differs from the original Haitian Hardy Banana Baba in terms of flavor profile and spices used. While the original dish focuses on Caribbean flavors, this adapted recipe incorporates Chinese Islamic spices to create a unique fusion. Additionally, the Chinese Islamic Banana Delight replaces the traditional rum syrup with a fragrant syrup infused with Chinese Islamic spices, adding a distinct aroma and taste to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Hardy banana baba, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe bananas 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cardamom pods 3 cardamom pods
• 1 star anise 1 star anise
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 4 egg yolks 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 38g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and star anise. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the syrup with the spices.
2. 2.
   Peel the bananas and cut them into thick slices. Place the banana slices into the syrup and simmer for 2 minutes until the bananas are tender. Remove from heat and let them cool in the syrup.
3. 3.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Once the bananas and custard have cooled, spoon the custard into serving bowls or glasses. Arrange the banana slices on top of the custard.
6. 6.
   Serve the Chinese Islamic Banana Delight chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bananas — Choose ripe bananas with a vibrant yellow color and no green tinge for the best flavor and texture.
• Cardamom pods — Gently crush the cardamom pods to release their aromatic seeds before adding them to the syrup.
• Cinnamon stick — Use a whole cinnamon stick for a subtle and warm flavor. Remove it from the syrup before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted sesame seeds on top of the Chinese Islamic Banana Delight before serving.
• If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, let the syrup simmer for a few more minutes to intensify the aroma.
• To save time, prepare the syrup and custard in advance and assemble the dessert just before serving.
• Experiment with different spices such as cloves or ginger to add your own twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a smoother custard, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Islamic Banana Delight chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and delightful dessert experience. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Chinese Islamic Banana Delight in elegant glass bowls or glasses. Layer the custard and banana slices beautifully, allowing the vibrant yellow of the bananas to contrast against the creamy custard.