Banana Medallions: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Making banana medallions not only transforms a simple fruit into a delicious treat, but it also offers a fantastic way to use overripe bananas. These sweet, dough-wrapped fritters are perfect for satisfying snack cravings or serving as a delightful dessert. Frying the banana pieces until golden creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, sweet interior. Don’t worry if your bananas are looking a bit brown; that just means they’re packed with flavor! You’ll find this recipe straightforward, economical, and utterly rewarding as the aroma fills your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfect for using up ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
- A wonderful treat that can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Family-friendly; kids love helping to wrap the bananas.
- They can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or part of a brunch spread.
- Quick frying time delivers crispy fritters in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) sugar
- 1/2 packet (5 g) dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons (39 mL) oil, plus more for frying
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) warm milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 7 to 10 ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup (135 g) sugar (for coating)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)
Ingredient Notes
Using ripe bananas is key as they not only provide natural sweetness but also enhance the flavor. If you don’t have fresh yeast, you can substitute it with instant yeast, but keep in mind that you may not need to let the dough rise as long. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and warmth to every bite, so don’t skip that part!
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, dry yeast, egg, 3 tablespoons of oil, warm milk, and salt. Stir until it forms a rough dough, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth—about 5-7 minutes.
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Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Medallions: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut into strips wide enough to wrap around the bananas.
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Wrap the Bananas: Take one banana and cut it into medallions. Wrap each piece in a strip of dough, ensuring it is fully covered.
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Fry the Medallions: Heat oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the wrapped bananas and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the 3/4 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. While the medallions are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
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Serve: Enjoy these delightful banana medallions warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Pro Tips
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; too cool, and the medallions will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy texture.
- If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it before it rises for later use.
- Keep an eye on the medallions while frying to ensure they don’t burn; they should be a lovely golden brown.
- For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Common Mistakes
- Not letting the dough rise enough can result in dense medallions—patience is key.
- Overcrowding the pan while frying can lower the oil temperature, causing soggy medallions.
- Skipping the coating ensures you won’t get that lovely, sugary crust that makes these bites irresistible.
Variations
- Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or vanilla extract in the dough.
- Try adding chopped nuts to the dough for added crunch.
- For a chocolate twist, sprinkle some cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute some of the bananas with other fruits like apples or peaches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana medallions warm, sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar and perhaps a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These can be a delightful addition to breakfast or brunch, paired with coffee or tea.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you have to store them, keep them out of the fridge to avoid sogginess.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through and lightly crispy again.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 230 per serving, Protein: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Fat: 9 g.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Cuisine: Various
Course: Dessert/Snack
Calories: 230
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them appropriately and drain any excess moisture before using.
What other fruits can I use?
Apples or pears can work well, but adjust the cooking time as they may not need as long to fry.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Baking is possible but will yield a different texture. Brush them with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
What should I serve these with?
They’re delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with yogurt, ice cream, or whipped cream.
Enjoy making these sweet, crispy banana medallions that are sure to earn a favorite spot in your recipe rotation!
Happy cooking!
Banana Medallions
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, dry yeast, egg, 3 tablespoons of oil, warm milk, and salt. Stir until it forms a rough dough, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth—about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut into strips wide enough to wrap around the bananas.
- Take one banana and cut it into medallions. Wrap each piece in a strip of dough, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the wrapped bananas and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix the 3/4 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. While the medallions are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Enjoy these delightful banana medallions warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
