Pontic Greek-style Banana Ladob

Ingredients

In this Pontic Greek adaptation of Ladob, the traditional Filipino ingredients like plantains and palm sugar are replaced with ripe bananas and regular sugar. The spices used in the original recipe are also modified to include Pontic Greek flavors such as cinnamon and nutmeg. These changes infuse the dish with a distinct Pontic Greek taste while still maintaining the creamy and comforting nature of the original Ladob. We alse have the original recipe for Ladob, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• Chopped nuts or shredded coconut, for garnish (optional) Chopped nuts or shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced bananas to the saucepan and gently stir to coat them with the coconut milk mixture.
3. 3.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bananas are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the cinnamon stick from the saucepan and stir in the butter until melted.
5. 5.
   Serve the Pontic Greek-style Banana Ladob warm or chilled, garnished with chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bananas — Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. They should be yellow with some brown spots.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Cinnamon stick — If you don't have a cinnamon stick, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the coconut milk with coconut cream.
• If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar according to your taste.
• Serve the Pontic Greek-style Banana Ladob with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
• Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top of the dessert for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Pontic Greek-style Banana Ladob warm or chilled, either as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It can also be enjoyed as a breakfast dish alongside some Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a banana slice on top of each serving and sprinkle some chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the dish. You can also serve it in individual dessert bowls or ramekins for an elegant touch.