Banana Fritters- Learn THREE Ways to Prepare it!

While Banana Fritters may not be as popular in Guyana, there is little that can compare to the taste of these delicious little nuggets of fried bananas with their crusts of crystallized sugar. Banana Fritters originated in West Africa where the dish us known as kakro, kaklo or klako. Banana Fritters was gradually spread around the world and was brought to Guyana and the Caribbean among other countries. There are several names for Banana Fritters like gulgula, an Indian version made with bananas, raisins and cherries.  Another name is beignets de figues, the Haitians name for Banana Fritters. It is also cekodok pisang in Indonesia and Malaysia. Another dish similar to Banana Fritters is fried bananas, where the fruits are sliced then covered in batter and fried. Many Guyanese may be familiar with the normal fried bananas but only a few of the older folks may know of Banana Fritters.

Banana Fritters – Photo By Judgefloro – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62877474

What is Banana Fritters?

Fritters are tiny, fried portions of dough which usually contain fruits, vegetables, meat, or even seafood. In this case, which you probably already guessed, Banana Fritters are made with bananas. Banana Fritters are small, fried cakes that are primarily made of ripe bananas and flour. They are round but can be flattened to resemble pancakes. The use of Banana Fritters is diverse. Proof of this is the fact they are served as breakfast, appetizers, dessert topped with ice cream. In fact, it is just another name for Banana Fritters, however, there is a slight variation in the recipes. This simple dish that does not require complicated ingredients, easy to prepare.

Interesting Tip

• While Banana Fritters are traditionally fried, they can be baked.
• Fried banana is different from Banana Fritters because they are fried whole after being coated in batter.

Banana Fritters – Guyanese Style

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas
• lemon or lime juice
• fat for deep frying
• sugar

Batter

• 1 egg
• 2 oz flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 pt milk

1. Sieve flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.
2. Make a well in center, break the egg and add to flour.
3. Add a small quantity of milk and stir.
4. Continue adding milk gradually, while stirring until all the milk is added and the batter is smooth.
5. Beat for about 5 minutes, cover and set aside.

Method

1. Peel and slice bananas into 1/4 inch pieces.
2. Coat thoroughly with batter.
3. Heat fat, and fry until golden brown.
4. Drain and sprinkle with lemon juice.
5. Toss in sugar and serve hot.

Banana Fritters – Low Fat Recipe

Ingredients

1. Mash the bananas.
2. Add sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla.
3. In a large skillet, heat on low flame.
4. When hot, spray with Pam and using a tablespoon, pour 1 tablespoon of batter for each fritter.
5. When cooked on one side (1-2 minutes) flip over and cook the other side.
6. Set aside in a dish and keep warm in the oven as you repeat with the rest of the batter.
7. When ready to serve, put 4 on a plate and top with a little powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Plate of Delicious Banana Fritters – Photo By Shubert Ciencia from Nueva Ecija, Philippines – Maruya/Banana Fritters (Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12449592

Banana Fritters – Oven Baked

Ingredients

• 3/4 C white whole wheat flour
• 3/4 C all-purpose flour
• 1/2 C sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter
• 1 egg
• 1/4 C milk
• 2 medium bananas

Glaze

• 1 C confectioner’s sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
3. Mix together flours, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Add butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Mix egg and milk in another bowl and add to flour mixture.
6. Stir and fold in bananas.
7. Use a spoon to drop balls of mixture onto baking sheet.
8. Allow to bake for thirteen to sixteen (13-16) minutes, or until bottoms are golden brown.
9. Leave to cool.
10. While fritters are cooling, prepare glaze by combining confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth.
11. Dip tops of fritters in glaze.
12. Allow glaze to harden and serve.
13. Enjoy!

About Banana Fritters

Banana Fritters are a simple delicacy suitable for breakfast, a snack or even dessert. If you have an extra hand or bananas and want to try something new, go ahead and try one of our recipes! There is a Banana Fritter recipe to suit everyone. There is the sweet, delicious traditional Banana Fritter, a low fat recipe for those on a diet, or even a heart-healthy oven-baked version. To top it all off, a glaze can be added to the Banana Fritters to elevate the snack.

Article References

• https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/banana-fritters-104781
• http://wiwords.com/word/banana-fritters
• https://cuisine228.com/west-african-banana-fritters-klako-klaklo-kaklo-kakro/
• http://www.guyanesefood.com/banana-fritters-recipe.html
• https://www.a-kitchen-addiction.com/baked-banana-fritters/?cn-reloaded=1
• https://guyanesegirlhaitiansoul.com/2018/02/12/beignets-de-figues-or-banana-fritters/