Samoan Banana Fritters (Panikeke)
Sweet, fluffy, and golden-brown fritters made from mashed ripe bananas, flour, and a touch of sweetness. These are a popular treat in Samoa, perfect as a snack or dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Very ripe bananas(mashed (about 1.5 cups))
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Sugar(adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tsp Baking powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1 large Egg
- 3/4 cup Milk(or more, as needed)
- for frying Vegetable oil
- for dusting Confectioners' sugar(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth and pureed. Add the egg and milk, and whisk until well combined.
💡 Tip: Using very ripe bananas ensures sweetness and a good texture. - 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- 3
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
💡 Tip: A slightly lumpy batter is okay. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters. - 4
Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to about 375°F (190°C).
💡 Tip: The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles immediately. - 5
Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches.
- 6
Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
💡 Tip: Turn the fritters gently to ensure even browning. - 7
Serve warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar if desired.
💡 Tip: These are best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- ✓Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough fritters.
- ✓Maintain the oil temperature for consistent cooking and to prevent greasy fritters.
- ✓A tester fritter is recommended to check batter consistency and seasoning before frying the whole batch.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.
- Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.