Faikakai Malimali (Banana Dumplings in Coconut Caramel)
A delightful Tongan dessert featuring soft, sweet dumplings made with ripe bananas, served in a rich, homemade coconut caramel sauce. Faikakai is a traditional sweet treat, and this banana version is a popular and comforting choice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Baking powder
- 2 medium Ripe bananas(mashed)
- 2 tbsp Sugar(for dumplings)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup Water(approximately, for dough)
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1.5 cups Shredded coconut(divided)
- 1 cup Sugar(for coconut syrup)
- 1 cup Thick coconut cream(for coconut syrup)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dumplings: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, 2 tbsp sugar, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Gradually add water, mixing until a stiff, dry dough forms. It should be cohesive but not sticky.
- 2
Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough and carefully drop them into the simmering water. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have doubled in size.
- 3
Prepare the coconut syrup: While the dumplings are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of shredded coconut and toast until golden brown. Set aside.
- 4
Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until it dissolves and begins to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Slowly add the thick coconut cream, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble and thicken into a caramel sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 5
Combine dumplings and coconut: Once the dumplings are cooked, drain them well. Add the drained dumplings to the skillet with the toasted coconut and butter. Gently toss to coat the dumplings. This step adds a subtle toasted coconut flavor and texture.
- 6
Serve: Transfer the coated dumplings to a serving bowl. Pour the warm coconut caramel sauce over the dumplings. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the dough is not too wet; a drier dough will hold its shape better when boiled.
- ✓If you don't have thick coconut cream, you can use regular coconut milk and simmer it down to thicken.
- ✓For an extra nutty flavor, toast the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded coconut and sprinkle over the finished dish.
🔄 Variations
- Other faikakai variations include using mashed breadfruit (faikakai mei) or taro leaves (faikakai ngou).
- Some recipes add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce to balance the sweetness.