Sweet and Simple Stewed Bananas Recipe
As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I have come across some mouth-watering recipes, but none compare to the sweetness and comfort of Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and is a popular Vietnamese dessert known as “chè chuối”.
Stewed bananas are not only a popular dessert in Vietnam but are also served as a sweet soup or toppings for various dishes. What makes this recipe even more unique is its perfect blend of creamy coconut milk, evaporated milk, and warm vanilla extract. The juicy and ripe cooking bananas paired with dark brown sugar and palm sugar brings out the perfect amount of sweetness that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
In this article, I am excited to share with you my authentic Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe. You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity in ingredients without compromising on flavor.
Follow along and discover for yourself the delectable taste that will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe for Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas. But even if you’re not familiar with this particular cuisine, you’ll still love the combination of flavors and textures that this dish offers.
First off, let’s talk about the bananas themselves. Vietnamese sweet bananas, also known as chuối xiêm or chuối sứ, are smaller and sweeter than regular bananas. They hold their shape well when cooked, and their soft, tender texture is perfect for stewing. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C.
Now let’s move on to the stewing process. The bananas are cooked in coconut milk, which adds a creamy sweetness to the dish. Evaporated milk is also used to create a richer flavor and creamier texture. Dark brown sugar and palm sugar provide sweetness while balancing out the creamy coconut flavor.
The addition of tapioca pearls creates a chewy texture that complements the tender bananas perfectly. And finally, a touch of vanilla extract adds fragrance and depth of flavor.
All these ingredients come together to create a sweet soup or chè chuối that is an iconic Vietnamese dessert. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for serving at parties or large gatherings.
In short, if you want to try something new and exciting in your kitchen that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy, then this Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe is definitely worth giving a shot! This may just become one of your go-to dishes when you want to impress your dinner guests or satisfy your own cravings.
Ingredient List
Below are the essential ingredients required to make this delicious Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas recipe:
Bananas
- 2 lbs of ripe cooking bananas or plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
- Vietnamese bananas or cavendish bananas can be used for this recipe. However, it is recommended to use Vietnamese bananas as they hold their shape better.
Sugar
- 1 cup of dark brown sugar
- 1 cup of palm sugar
Water
- 4 cups of water
Coconut milk
- 2 cups of coconut cream or coconut milk or combination of both for the stewing liquid, depending on how rich and creamy you want the sweet soup.
- ½ cup of evaporated milk (optional)
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Note: If you cannot find palm sugar in your local store, you can substitute it with brown sugar.
The Recipe How-To
Here is how you can make the Vietnamese sweet stewed bananas recipe in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of ripe cooking bananas or plantains
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of palm sugar
- 1 cup of dark brown sugar
- 2 cups of coconut cream or evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas into small chunks or circles.
- In a large pot, add the water and bring it to a boil.
- Add both types of sugar, stirring continuously until they are fully dissolved.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced bananas to the pot.
- Allow the bananas to simmer in the sugar water for about 20 minutes until they are soft and slightly translucent.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the coconut cream or evaporated milk and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated.
- Cool down the mixture at room temperature.
- Serve warm or chilled with sticky rice, tapioca pearls, or rice flour cake/banh da lon.
Recipe Variations
If you want to switch things up and try a different version of this delicious dessert, here are some variations you can try:
- Banana Coconut Tapioca Pudding: use tapioca pearls instead of bananas to make this creamy tapioca pudding with a tropical twist.
- Che Chuoi/ Banana Sweet Soup: an easy and quick dessert made out of banana, coconut milk, tapioca pearls, and pandan leaves.
- Banh Chuoi/ Banana Cake: egg-free steamed banana cake made out of mashed ripe bananas and sweetened condensed milk
- Sticky Rice Banana: fried stuffed sticky rice balls filled with sweetened mashed banana filling
Enjoy experimenting with these Vietnamese sweet stewed bananas recipe varieties!
Substitutions and Variations
For those who are looking to put their own spin on this Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations to consider.
– Milk substitutes: This recipe calls for a mixture of evaporated milk and coconut cream. However, you can use any plant-based milk to create a vegan version of this dessert. Almond or soy milk can be used as a substitute for the evaporated milk, while full-fat coconut milk can replace the coconut cream.
– Sugar alternatives: Dark brown sugar and palm sugar are the sugars used in this recipe. You can also use white granulated sugar if that is what you have on hand, although keep in mind that it may not provide quite the same depth of flavor. For a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead.
– Banana variants: Vietnamese sweet stewed bananas are traditionally made using a type of banana called “Chuối Xiêm”. However, other types of bananas will work as well. Cavendish bananas are a common alternative, while plantains can be used to give the dish a slightly different flavor profile.
– Tapioca alternatives: Many Vietnamese sweet desserts incorporate tapioca pearls, but some people may not like the texture. They can be substituted with rice flour or cornstarch to create a similar thickening effect.
– Serving suggestions: This dessert is delicious on its own, but you can get creative with presentation. Try serving it over sticky rice or for a more decadent treat try adding banana tapioca pudding, fried bananas or cinnamon baked banana cakes or checkout other popular Vietnamese desserts such as Banh tet Chuoi (sticky rice banana cake), Che Chuoi (sweet soup with tapioca pearls and bananas) or Banh Chung/Banh Tet (traditional sticky rice cakes).
By experimenting with different ingredients and combinations, you can customize this Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe to your liking and create new renditions of this classic dessert.
Serving and Pairing
It is recommended to enjoy this Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas recipe warm, as the heat enhances the flavors and aroma of the dish. The creamy and sweet nature of the dessert pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee, which will cut through the richness and give a nice balance.
For an extra indulgence, serve this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. The combination of cold and warm, sweet and tangy, will create a delightful contrast in your palate that will leave you wanting more.
If you are looking for a traditional Vietnamese serving suggestion, serve it with a side of sticky rice or alongside banana tapioca, known as “che chuoi hap” in Vietnamese. You can also try pairing it with other Vietnamese desserts such as “banh chuoi nep nuong” or “banh tet chuoi.”
Another interesting pairing option could be to serve this sweet stewed bananas as a topping over pancakes, waffles or crepes for breakfast. This would make for a decadent brunch dish that combines both sweet and savory elements.
The Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas can also be turned into a great base for other desserts such as banana cake or banana pudding. They can also be used as an ingredient in other recipes such as smoothies or milkshakes.
Overall, whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or get creative and use it in another recipe, this Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe is that it can be made-ahead, stored and reheated without losing any of its deliciousness. It can be a time-saver for busy weeknights or when hosting guests.
To make-ahead, cook the stewed bananas according to the recipe instructions, but do not add the evaporated milk and coconut cream. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days before reheating.
To reheat, place the stewed bananas in a saucepan along with 1/4 cup of water over medium heat until warmed through. Then add in the evaporated milk and coconut cream and continue cooking until hot and bubbly.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, follow the same process as described above.
Alternatively, you can freeze the Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe for later use. Let it cool completely before freezing it in a freezer-friendly container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro tip: Add some sliced bananas or fresh berries on top of the stewed bananas for an extra pop of flavor when reheating.
Tips for Perfect Results
To perfect Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas recipe, use ripe, but not too soft bananas or plantains. The fruit should still have a little bit of resistance when pressed. If they are too ripe, they will fall apart during cooking, making the stew more like banana soup than stewed bananas.
When cutting the bananas or plantains, slice them on a diagonal to create larger pieces. This way, they won’t turn to mush during the slow-cooking process.
The combination of coconut cream, evaporated milk and vanilla extract gives this dish its signature creamy flavor. To achieve the perfect consistency and flavor, be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk and quality evaporated milk. Avoid using low-fat or reduced-fat versions as it will alter the consistency of the final dish.
For those who prefer a more caramel-like flavor, dark brown sugar is a great choice to thicken the stew. However, if you prefer a less sweeter taste, palm sugar can be used as a substitute.
To make your recipe stand out from others and add extra richness to the dessert, try garnishing with some crushed peanuts over each serving. Or, for a more tropical vibe sprinkle with some toasted coconut flakes or add sliced fresh mango on top.
Lastly, Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas can be served warm or hot with other desserts such as banana cake or combined with sticky rice. Serve them in small bowls or ramekins for an elegant twist on traditional che chuoi (sweet soup).
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves unique and delicious desserts. This recipe delivers a blend of sweet and creamy flavors that will leave you wanting more. You can enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet soup, either way, it is sure to please. The dish is easy to prepare with readily available ingredients, making it perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet exciting dessert recipe.
Be sure to follow the tips and recommendations outlined in this article to ensure that you achieve perfect results every time. Experiment with substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own, and don’t be afraid to try different ways of serving and pairing the dish.
In conclusion, the Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe should be added to your repertoire of tasty desserts. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or indulging in sweet cravings, this recipe will deliver satisfaction every time. So go ahead and give it a try; we promise you won’t regret it!
Vietnamese Sweet Stewed Bananas Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ripe cooking bananas (plantains)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar or 1 cup palm sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 2 cups evaporated milk or 2 cups coconut cream
- crushed ice
Instructions
- Slice each banana diagonally into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine sugar or palm sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
- Add the bananas and return to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until bananas are tender and the liquid becomes thick and syrupy, about 40 minutes.
- Skim off any impurities that rise to the top and discard.
- Stir in vanilla essence and set aside to cool.
- Spoon bananas and syrup into serving bowls. Add 1/4 cup fresh cream or evaporated milk or coconut cream to each serving.
- Top with crushed ice.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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