Sonhos de Banana (Banana Dreams)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating) 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. 2.
   Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
7. 7.
   In the meantime, prepare the banana filling by combining the mashed bananas, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well.
8. 8.
   After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin sheet and cut into small circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
9. 9.
   Place a teaspoon of the banana filling in the center of each dough circle.
10. 10.
    Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing with a fork.
11. 11.
    In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).
12. 12.
    Carefully drop a few filled dough circles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
13. 13.
    Remove the fried Sonhos de Banana from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
14. 14.
    In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
15. 15.
    Roll the warm Sonhos de Banana in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
16. 16.
    Serve the Sonhos de Banana warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ripe bananas — Use bananas that are fully ripe, as they will provide the best flavor and sweetness for the filling.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying the Sonhos de Banana.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a fluffy and light texture, make sure the dough is well-rested before rolling and frying.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the dough and coating according to your personal preference for a stronger or milder cinnamon flavor.
• Serve the Sonhos de Banana warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mashed bananas.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the Sonhos de Banana before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Sonhos de Banana as a delightful dessert after a Brazilian-inspired meal. They pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Sonhos de Banana on a serving platter, dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Garnish with a few slices of fresh banana and a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.