Discover the mouth-watering taste of Brazilian baked bananas
Welcome to my Brazilian Baked Bananas recipe! If you love bananas, then you’re in for a real treat. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and fruity flavors in their meals. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, this dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a dessert, Brazilian Baked Bananas can be enjoyed in many ways. You can have it as a delicious side dish to accompany your protein or mix it with your favorite toppings to indulge in as a dessert. This recipe is versatile and suits any occasion.
One of the reasons why I love this recipe so much is because it uses sweetened flaked coconut, which adds extra texture and sweetness to the dish. The cinnamon sticks give it an earthy aroma that will fill your kitchen with warmth and coziness. And the bananas are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness that melts in your mouth.
Trust me when I say that this dish has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something both easy and satisfying. The Brazilian way of cooking bananas has become a popular sensation around the world, and for good reason; once cooked, bananas become something else entirely.
So, whether you’re an experienced cook or someone looking for new flavors to try out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for everyone who loves bananas. Let’s get started on making these delicious Brazilian Baked Bananas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: warm, baked bananas with a hint of tangy lime and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, all nestled inside a caramelized brown sugar and butter sauce. It’s no surprise that Brazilian Baked Bananas are one of the most beloved side dishes in Brazil and have gained popularity all around the world.
As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I can confidently say that this dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. The sweetness of the bananas is balanced by the acid from the lime juice, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.
And not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a sweet side dish or pair it with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Plus, this recipe is perfect for when you have bananas that are starting to turn brown – no need to throw them away!
Lastly, this dish presents an opportunity to bring some Brazilian culture into your home. Brazilian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients, and these baked bananas are the perfect representation of that.
Trust me when I say that you’ll love this recipe – it’s simple yet satisfying, versatile yet authentic. Try it out for yourself, and you’ll see why Brazilian Baked Bananas are so popular around the globe.
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking the Brazilian Baked Bananas recipe, let’s first gather the necessary ingredients.
Here’s what we’ll need:
- 4 medium bananas – make sure they are ripe but firm
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
- 1/2 cup of sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cinnamon stick broken into pieces
- Zest of one lime
That’s it! The ingredient list is straightforward and easy to find at your local grocery store. Once we have everything, we can start cooking this delectable dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the instructions for making this delectable Brazilian Baked Bananas recipe.
Ingredient List:
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of sweetened flaked coconut (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 a lime (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Peel the bananas and cut them in half lengthwise.
Step 3: In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the lemon juice and brown sugar to the pan then stir until combined.
Step 4: Add the banana halves to the pan and cook for about two to three minutes on each side or until they are caramelized and golden brown.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix generously over each banana half.
Step 6: Transfer the caramelized bananas to a baking dish. Place one cinnamon stick on each edge of the dish (optional). If desired sprinkle some sweetened flaked coconut on top and squeeze fresh lime juice over them.
Step 7: Bake for about ten minutes or until the bananas are hot and syrupy.
Tips for Perfect Results:
Here are some tips that will help ensure perfect results when making this Brazilian Baked Bananas recipe:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe and ideally slightly overripe.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt added.
- Avoid overcrowding your sauté pan so that your bananas can caramelized properly.
- If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try grilling your bananas instead of sautéing them.
- Serve the bananas warm with vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, or a drizzle of condensed milk for extra sweetness.
With these simple steps and tips, you can create a deliciously sweet and gooey Brazilian Baked Bananas recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to Brazil.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the beautiful things about cooking is that it allows for endless creativity and experimentation. This Brazilian Baked Bananas Recipe is no exception! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to make this recipe your own.
1. Toppings: For a tropical twist, swap out the sweetened flaked coconut with toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, diced fresh mango or chopped macadamia nuts. To add a zing of flavor, ditch the cinnamon sticks and sprinkle the bananas with lime zest instead.
2. Sugar: While brown sugar may be the classic choice for this recipe, you can also experiment with different types of sugars such as white sugar, turbinado sugar or even honey.
3. Butter: Swap out butter for coconut oil to give the dish some extra tropical flair. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
4. Bananas: You can use any kind of ripe bananas for this recipe, but try different varieties like Burro or Lady Finger bananas when available in addition to the popular Cavendish variety.
5. Caramelized Bananas: Want to up the ante on sweetness? Make caramelized bananas by cooking sliced bananas in a mixture of water, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until syrupy.
6. Savory Version: If you’re looking for something less sweet, try baking your bananas without cinnamon sugar and instead sprinkle them with sea salt and black pepper. They also pair well as a side dish with grilled meats like in Brazilian steakhouse restaurants.
7. Banana Chips: Thinly slice bananas into chips and follow the same steps as in this recipe to make delicious homemade banana chips that you can use as snacks or garnish other dishes like banana cake or ice cream sundaes.
With these substitution ideas and variations, the possibilities are endless! Experiment with your own creations and embrace your inner chef!
Serving and Pairing
Brazilian baked bananas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of main dishes or as a dessert. The natural sweetness of the bananas pairs well with savory dishes like grilled steak or roasted chicken, but it also makes for a delicious side dish with rice and beans.
For a more indulgent approach, serve these bananas with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cinnamon sugar and sweetened flaked coconut on top complement the creamy texture of ice cream perfectly. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts over your dessert to add some crunch.
If you’re looking to make this dish into an impressive dessert, try pairing it with other Brazilian classics like “pão de queijo” (cheese bread) or a rich “brigadeiro” (chocolate truffle). A moist banana cake can also be an excellent pairing option.
For those watching their sugar intake, this dish can be a healthier take on dessert when served with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. The tanginess of Greek yogurt adds a great contrast to the caramelized bananas’ sweetness, while the fresh fruits add some necessary acidity.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to serve and pair these delicious baked bananas – experiment and find what works best for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared this delightful Brazilian Baked Bananas recipe, you may be wondering about ways to store it or prepare it ahead of time. Thankfully, this recipe is quite accommodating and can be easily adapted to suit your needs.
For make-ahead preparation, you can prep the dish up to a day before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it an ideal recipe for those who prefer to do the bulk of their cooking early on so they can relax later on and enjoy their meal effortlessly.
Suppose you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to reheat your baked bananas, simply pop them in the microwave or an oven preheated at 350°F until heated through.
You can also freeze these baked bananas for up to 3 months. To freeze, prepare and bake them completely as directed by the recipe. Let them cool down completely then transfer them into a freezer-safe container (or use aluminum foil) and place them in your freezer until needed.
When reheating frozen baked bananas, preheat your oven at 350°F and allow the dish to thaw completely in the fridge overnight. Reheat in an oven-safe dish with tinfoil cover for about 10-15 minutes.
Overall, this recipe’s versatility coupled with its ease of storage makes it an excellent choice for families, small get-togethers, parties, or even when entertaining guests. Just remember to store as directed and reheat gently so that the flavors are still incredible when enjoying your leftovers!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to make sure your Brazilian Baked Bananas turn out perfect every time.
1. Choose Ripe Bananas: It’s important to select bananas that are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape while baking. Overripe bananas will turn mushy while underripe ones will remain hard and tasteless. Look for bananas that have just started to develop brown spots.
2. Use Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for this recipe since it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. Salted butter might make the recipe too salty, and unsalted butter gives a clean, pure flavor.
3. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar for Extra Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the baked bananas before serving. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and caramelized bananas is heavenly.
4. Experiment with Different Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings on your Brazilian Baked Bananas. Try topping them with some sweetened flaked coconut or toasted nuts, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
5. Do Not Overcook: Overcooking the bananas can cause them to become mushy and lose their shape, so be careful not to bake them for too long. Keep an eye on them during baking and remove from the oven when they are softened but still holding their shape.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious Brazilian Baked Bananas that everyone will love!
FAQ
Now that we have explored the main aspects of this delicious Brazilian baked banana recipe, it’s time to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions that might arise during the cooking or serving process. By addressing these questions, you’ll be able to prepare and present your own amazing version of this fantastic side dish or dessert recipe with ease and confidence. Let’s dive in!
How to carmelize bananas in oven?
Let’s start by slicing the bananas lengthwise to create two halves. As we prepare for baking, it’s important to pre-heat our oven to a temperature of 180°C (or 175°C for fan ovens) which is equivalent to 350°F or gas mark 4. To add some sweetness and extra flavor, sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon and either honey or agave syrup on top of the bananas. Place them in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes until the bananas are warm and tender.
Can bananas be cooked like plantains?
While most individuals are accustomed to fried plantains, a lesser-known fact is that bananas can also be fried to perfection. When prepared effectively, this dish can become quite addictive and can be served either as a dessert, side dish or even eaten as is.
What type of bananas are in Brazil?
In Brazil, there are a few popular types of bananas, including Prata, Grand Naine, Williams, and Nanicão. Despite their popularity, each of these varieties has certain drawbacks such as susceptibility to pests or diseases, poor fruit quality, or inability to withstand harsh climate conditions.
How many types of bananas are in Brazil?
At present, Fava grows five distinctive types of bananas, including the globally popular Cavendish banana. With its sweet and fragrant flavor, it stands out as a preferred choice among the masses. Moreover, Fava cultivates Prata bananas as well, which are slightly less sweet than Cavendish but have a straight shape and a greenish-yellow peel that can grow up to 18 centimeters in length.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Brazilian cuisine, you definitely don’t want to miss out on trying this delicious and easy Brazilian baked bananas recipe. These sweet, caramelized bananas are the perfect side dish or dessert to any meal, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends with their unique flavors and textures.
By following my detailed instructions and tips, you can easily make these baked bananas at home with just a few simple ingredients. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with some of the substitutions and variations I’ve provided to create your own signature version.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or an impressive party side dish, these Brazilian baked bananas are sure to become a new staple in your recipe collection. So grab some ripe bananas and get baking- your taste buds will thank you!
Brazilian Baked Bananas Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 medium bananas, firm and ripe
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- rind of one lime, cut into thin strips
- 1/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- In a shallow microwavable glass baking dish or pie plate, mix butter, brown sugar and lemon juice. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir well.
- Peel bananas and cut them in half crosswise. Slice each lengthwise. Arrange 8 pieces in a single layer in the sugar mixture, turning them over once to coat. Put cinnamon sticks and lime peel around the banana pieces.'.
- Microwave on HIGH, uncovered for 2 minutes. Baste the bananas with the sauce. Microwave on HIGH for 1 or 2 more minutes, or until the bananas are soft.
- Let stand for 3 minutes.
- Garnish with coconut and serve warm with the sauce.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.