Caribbean Savory Banana Fritters

A delightful twist on ripe bananas, these savory fritters are seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs, offering a unique side dish or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tender within, they're a delicious way to enjoy bananas beyond dessert.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Servings: 4
CaribbeanVegetarianPescatarianDairy-FreeNut-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-FreeSugar-Free

Ingredients

  • 3 medium Ripe bananas (peeled)
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/4 cup Small red onion (finely minced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 piece Scotch bonnet pepper (finely minced (remove seeds for less heat, optional))
  • 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a large bowl, mash the peeled bananas with a fork until mostly smooth but with a few small lumps remaining. Do not overmash into a liquid.

    Time: 3 min
  2. 2.

    Add the all-purpose flour, egg, minced red onion, minced garlic, minced scotch bonnet pepper (if using), chopped fresh thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed bananas.

    Time: 2 min
  3. 3.

    Mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

    Time: 2 min
  4. 4.

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small bit of batter into it; it should sizzle immediately.

    Time: 5 min
  5. 5.

    Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls (about 1.5-2 tablespoons each) of the banana mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

    Time: 2 min
  6. 6.

    Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on their size and thickness.

    Time: 8 min
  7. 7.

    Remove the cooked fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

    Time: 1 min
  8. 8.

    Serve the Savory Banana Fritters warm, perhaps with a simple lime aioli, a fresh tomato salsa, or a hot sauce for an extra kick.

    Time: 2 min

Tips

  • 💡Choose ripe bananas (yellow with a few brown spots) but not overly mushy ones for the best texture.
  • 💡For extra crunch, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cornmeal to the batter.
  • 💡If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the scotch bonnet pepper or substitute with a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams