Tropical Samoan Banana Delight with Coconut Cream
Indulge in the rich flavors of Samoa with our Tropical Samoan Banana Delight. This delightful dish features ripe bananas simmered to perfection in a creamy coconut milk base, thickened with tapioca for a velvety texture. It’s a simple yet satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion, whether served warm or cold. With the option to add a touch of sugar, this treat can be customized to suit your taste buds, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this recipe captures the essence of tropical bliss in every bite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
bananas
8 (peeled)
water
4 cups (none)
tapioca
1/2 cup (none)
coconut milk
1 cup (none)
sugar
1/4 cup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the bananas and slicing them into half-inch pieces. Place the banana slices in a medium saucepan.
2
Add 4 cups of water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the bananas are soft.
4
Using a wooden spoon, fork, or masher, break up the bananas into a chunky puree consistency.
5
Slowly sprinkle the tapioca into the banana mixture while stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
6
Pour in the coconut milk, and stir well to combine. Continue to simmer over low to medium heat for an additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the tapioca cooks evenly.
7
Taste the mixture, and if desired, add sugar gradually until it reaches your preferred sweetness.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
9
Serve the Suafa'i warm in bowls or cups. Alternatively, cool it completely and refrigerate for a refreshing snack or dessert later.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Samoan Banana Delight?
Tropical Samoan Banana Delight, also known as Suafa'i, is a traditional Samoan dessert made with ripe bananas simmered in coconut milk and thickened with tapioca.
What is the traditional name for this recipe?
The traditional name for this Samoan banana and coconut milk dish is Suafa'i.
Is this banana dessert vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk as the creamy base and does not include any animal products.
How many bananas do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 bananas.
What kind of bananas should I use?
You should use ripe bananas to ensure the best flavor and a naturally sweet taste.
How long does it take to cook the bananas?
The bananas should be simmered in water for about 20 minutes until they become soft.
Do I need to peel the bananas before cooking?
Yes, the bananas should be peeled and sliced into half-inch pieces before being placed in the saucepan.
What is the role of tapioca in this dish?
Tapioca acts as a thickener to give the dessert a velvety, pudding-like consistency.
How do I prevent the tapioca from clumping?
Slowly sprinkle the tapioca into the mixture while stirring continuously to ensure it incorporates smoothly.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Suafa'i?
Yes, the recipe allows you to add sugar gradually until it reaches your preferred sweetness level.
Is sugar mandatory in this recipe?
No, the sugar is optional. If your bananas are very ripe, you may find the dish sweet enough without it.
How much coconut milk is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of coconut milk.
Can I serve this dessert cold?
Yes, while it can be served warm, you can also cool it completely and refrigerate it for a refreshing cold snack.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the final consistency of the dessert?
The final result is a chunky puree with a velvety, creamy texture.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, Suafa'i is delicious when served warm in bowls or cups.
How long should the mixture cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
What tools can I use to mash the bananas?
You can use a wooden spoon, a fork, or a potato masher to break the bananas into a chunky puree.
How much water do I need to boil the bananas?
You will need 4 cups of water.
How long do I simmer the dish after adding coconut milk?
Simmer for an additional 15 minutes after adding the coconut milk and tapioca, stirring frequently.
What size should the banana slices be?
The bananas should be sliced into roughly half-inch pieces.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used—bananas, coconut milk, and tapioca—are naturally gluten-free.
What food category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Tropical Fruits and Samoan Desserts.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed later as a refreshing cold treat.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include Samoan dessert, tropical fruit dessert, coconut cream, banana recipe, easy desserts, vegan dessert, and comfort food.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is widely considered a comfort food due to its warm, creamy, and satisfying nature.
How much tapioca is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of tapioca.
Can I use any type of milk?
While coconut milk is traditional and provides the authentic flavor, you could experiment with others, though it may change the tropical profile.
How much sugar should I start with if I want it sweet?
The recipe suggests a total of up to 1/4 cup of sugar, but you should add it gradually to taste.
Is this a simple recipe to make?
Yes, it is described as a simple yet satisfying dessert that is easy to prepare.