In many places in Philippines, bananas grow all year round. It’s no surprise that locals eat this fruit regularly either raw or cooked, and incorporate them in many savory dishes and desserts. It’s also an alternative source of carbs in their regular diet aside from rice, corn, and tubers.
Personally, I grew up in a neighborhood in the province of Cebu surrounded by banana plants. I’ve always remembered my father cultivating several varieties of the fruit for family’s consumption and also to make some money on the side.
The great thing about bananas, aside from being a low-fat food and rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, is that you only plant them once. Shoots grow from its trunk which you can replant and grow another tree. At least that’s how I remembered it.
Many people in the US didn’t know that there are different types of bananas and some of them require cooking before you can eat them.
My husband only knew the existence of saba and plantains (the ones that I use mostly in making Filipino banana meat and pinaypay ) after we got married.
Saba bananas are very versatile and almost always used in many Filipino dishes. They make excellent snacks and and can be made into a variety of desserts.
This super quick and easy banana recipe I am sharing with you today takes only about 20 minutes to make. You can substitute saba with plantains if you don’t have them.
Minatamis is simply a Filipino word that translates to “sweetened”. Saging is what we call banana in our national language.
This sweetened dessert is great if you’re craving for something sweet with less guilt afterwards. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients:
3 pieces ripe saba bananas
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups water
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Things/Materials You’ll Need:
Knife
Cutting board
2-quart sauce pan
Cooking spoon
Procedure:
1. Peel bananas and slice into 1/2 inch thick.
2. In a medium pot or sauce pan, mix together water and sugar.
3. Throw in sliced bananas.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium low and allow to simmer until sauce has slightly reduced and thickened.
5. Serve warm.
- 3 pieces ripe saba bananas
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Things/Materials You’ll Need:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- 2-quart sauce pan
- Cooking spoon
- Peel bananas and slice into ½ inch thick.
- In a medium pot or sauce pan, mix together water and sugar.
- Throw in sliced bananas.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium low and allow to simmer until sauce has slightly reduced and thickened.
- Serve warm.
