Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Wheat Flour: 210 g (1 3/4 cups)
• Sugar: 15 g (1 tablespoon)
• Organic Dry Yeast: 5 g (1/2 packet)
• Egg: 1 large
• Oil: 39 ml (3 tablespoons)
• Warm Milk: 80 ml (1/3 cup)
• Salt: 1 pinch
• Bananas: 7 to 10 units, firm and not overly ripe

For Frying:

• Oil: as needed for frying

For the Coating:

• Sugar: 135 g (3/4 cup)
• Cinnamon Powder: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is activated and ready to leaven the dough.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the egg, oil, and the yeast mixture. Stir the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Bananas

6. Peel and Slice Bananas:
   • Peel the bananas and cut them into halves or thirds, depending on their size. The goal is to have bite-sized banana pieces that are easy to coat in dough and fry.

Step 3: Assemble the Fritters

7. Roll the Dough:
   • After the dough has risen, divide it into small portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a flat disc, just large enough to wrap around a piece of banana.
8. Wrap the Bananas:
   • Place a banana piece in the center of each dough disc and fold the dough over the banana, pinching the edges to seal it completely. Repeat the process for all the bananas.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

9. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry but not too hot, as you want the dough to cook through without burning the outside. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles and floats, the oil is ready.
10. Fry the Fritters:

• Carefully place the dough-wrapped bananas into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

11. Drain the Fritters:

• Once the fritters are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

12. Prepare the Coating:

• In a shallow dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon powder according to your taste. This combination adds a delicious sweet and warm coating to the fritters.

13. Coat the Fritters:

• While the fritters are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are fully coated. The warmth of the fritters helps the sugar stick better.

Step 6: Serve

14. Garnish and Serve:

• Serve the banana fritters warm. You can add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon-sugar on top for presentation. These fritters pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Tips

1. Use Firm Bananas:
   • Choose bananas that are firm and slightly underripe for this recipe. Overripe bananas may become too mushy during frying.
2. Watch the Oil Temperature:
   • Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure that the fritters cook evenly. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains uncooked. Aim for medium heat.
3. Customize the Filling:
   • You can add other fruits like apples or pears for variation. Alternatively, try stuffing the fritters with a little chocolate or peanut butter for a different flavor twist.
4. Double-Coating:
   • For an extra crispy texture, you can coat the fritters twice in the cinnamon-sugar mixture: once while warm and again after they’ve cooled slightly.

Storage

• Refrigeration:
  • Store leftover banana fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing:
  • You can freeze the dough-wrapped bananas before frying. To cook, thaw the fritters for 10-15 minutes and fry them as usual. This is a great way to prepare ahead and have a quick snack ready.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the fritters and the amount of sugar coating used.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the fritters denser, so you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly.

2. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the fritters in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. However, they may not be as crispy as fried fritters.

3. What if I don’t have cinnamon?

You can replace cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile. Or, you can simply coat the fritters with sugar alone.

4. How can I make the fritters vegan?

To make the fritters vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these fritters gluten-free. Make sure to choose a blend that works well with yeast doughs.

Conclusion

Banana fritters with cinnamon-sugar coating are an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of crispy dough, soft banana, and the sweet-spicy coating is truly delightful. Whether you serve these fritters for dessert, as a snack, or even for breakfast, they will always impress. Plus, with the flexibility to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.