Jamaican Banana Fritters
These delightful fritters are a popular Jamaican treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with overripe bananas, they offer a sweet, slightly spiced flavor with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Overripe bananas, mashed(about 4-5 medium bananas)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp Baking powder
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 pinch Salt
- 4-5 tbsp Milk or water(plus more as needed)
- 4-5 tbsp Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar(for dusting (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk (or water). Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and mashability. - 2
Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the banana mixture. Stir until just combined, forming a thick batter. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency, similar to pancake batter but slightly thicker.
💡 Tip: Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough fritters. - 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep.
- 4
Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
💡 Tip: Work in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. - 5
Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 6
Optional: Sprinkle with granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture (1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon) while still warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired batter consistency.
- ✓Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground ginger to the batter for extra warmth.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.