Nauru Pandanus and Banana Fritters
Sweet and fragrant fritters made from ripe bananas and the unique pandanus fruit, coated in a light batter and fried until golden. A popular snack or dessert in Nauru, showcasing the island's tropical fruits.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large Ripe bananas(mashed)
- 100 g Pandanus fruit pulp(from about 2-3 pandanus fruits, mashed or pureed)
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup Sugar(plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 cup Milk(or water)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(for the batter)
- 3 cups Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and pandanus fruit pulp.
- 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
💡 Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients can result in lighter fritters. - 3
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, along with the milk and vegetable oil for the batter. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- 4
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
💡 Tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. - 5
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- 6
Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Turn the fritters gently with a slotted spoon. - 7
Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 8
Dust the warm fritters with extra sugar, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure pandanus fruit is ripe for the best flavor and aroma.
- ✓If pandanus fruit is unavailable, you can omit it, but the flavor will be less distinct.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sugar in the batter to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of coconut cream.
- For a crispier fritter, use a slightly thinner batter.