Bananas Cooked in Sweet Syrup
Ripe bananas are simmered until tender in a simple sugar syrup giving them a deep amber color and adding another layer of sweet deliciousness to the fruit. It is great as a dessert or snack on its own but sometimes it's mixed with crushed ice and a little evaporated milk (saba con hielo), making it a delightful summer treat!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 12 bananas (cardaba or burro) or plantains, ripe but still firm, sliced into 3-4 pieces (depending on the size of banana)
Instructions
- Over medium heat, in a saucepan, combine the water, sugar and, salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a syrupy consistency between 15-20 minutes more or less.
- Add the sliced bananas and vanilla extract. Cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the bananas are tender and have turned reddish or deep amber in color.
- To serve, place a few slices of bananas in a bowl and pour in a little syrup. It may be served warm or at room temperature. In the Philippines, some crushed ice is added plus a drizzling of evaporated milk. It now becomes saba con hielo (sweetened banana in ice and milk), a favorite summer dessert.
Notes
TIPS & TRICKS
This was made for a gathering hence this cooks a big batch that's perfect for a crowd. If you are cooking for a smaller group, simply cut the recipe in half.
You may dice some of the bananas in sweet syrup and add them as part of the ingredient for halo-halo.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!