Banana turon is a popular Filipino dessert that has gained worldwide recognition for its unique taste and crispy texture. This dessert is made from saba bananas, jackfruit, or plantains, which are wrapped in a lumpia (spring roll) wrapper and then deep-fried until crispy. The combination of the sweet banana filling and the crunchy wrapper makes for a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the ingredients used in making banana turon. The main ingredients include:
- Saba bananas or plantains: These are the primary ingredients used in making banana turon. Saba bananas are preferred because of their sweet taste and firm texture.
- Lumpia wrappers: These are thin sheets of dough made from flour, water, and oil. They are used to wrap the banana filling.
- Vegetable oil: This is used for deep-frying the banana turon.
- Brown sugar: This is used to add sweetness to the banana filling.
- Cinnamon or vanilla: These are used to add flavor to the banana filling.
Choosing the Right Bananas
Choosing the right bananas is crucial in making delicious banana turon. Saba bananas are preferred because of their sweet taste and firm texture. They are also less likely to ripen quickly, which makes them ideal for frying. If saba bananas are not available, you can use plantains as a substitute.
How to Select Saba Bananas
When selecting saba bananas, look for the following characteristics:
- Firm texture: Saba bananas should be firm and not too ripe.
- Sweet smell: Saba bananas should have a sweet smell.
- Yellow color: Saba bananas should have a yellow color with brown spots.
Preparing the Banana Filling
Preparing the banana filling is a crucial step in making banana turon. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the banana filling:
- Peel the saba bananas and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and stir until it dissolves.
- Add the sliced bananas and stir until they are well coated with the sugar mixture.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla to add flavor to the banana filling.
- Cook the banana filling for 2-3 minutes or until the bananas are caramelized.
Wrapping the Banana Filling
Wrapping the banana filling is a delicate process that requires patience and skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wrap the banana filling:
- Lay a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface.
- Place 1-2 pieces of the banana filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Brush the edges of the wrapper with water.
- Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper and then roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
- Repeat the process until all the banana filling is wrapped.
Cooking the Banana Turon
Cooking the banana turon is the final step in making this delicious dessert. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook the banana turon:
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add a few pieces of the wrapped banana turon.
- Fry the banana turon until it is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the banana turon from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process until all the banana turon is cooked.
Tips for Achieving Crispy Banana Turon
Achieving crispy banana turon requires skill and patience. Here are some tips to help you achieve crispy banana turon:
- Use the right type of oil: Vegetable oil is the best oil to use for frying banana turon. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning.
- Use the right temperature: The ideal temperature for frying banana turon is between 325°F to 375°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the banana turon in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.
- Don’t overfry: Fry the banana turon until it is golden brown and crispy. Overfrying can make the banana turon greasy and soggy.
Serving and Storing Banana Turon
Banana turon is best served warm and fresh. Here are some tips on how to serve and store banana turon:
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream: Banana turon is best served with a scoop of ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm and crispy banana turon.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Dusting banana turon with powdered sugar adds a sweet and elegant touch to this dessert.
- Store in an airtight container: Banana turon can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Banana turon is a delicious Filipino dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its crispy texture and sweet banana filling, it’s a dessert that is hard to resist. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make delicious banana turon that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What is Banana Turon?
Banana Turon is a popular Filipino dessert that consists of saba (plantain) bananas or regular bananas wrapped in a lumpia (spring roll) wrapper, deep-fried until crispy, and then coated in a sweet syrup or sugar. The combination of the crunchy exterior and the soft, sweet interior makes for a delightful treat.
The dessert is often served as a snack or dessert in the Philippines and is a staple at many Filipino gatherings and celebrations. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a favorite among many Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike.
What is the difference between Banana Turon and regular spring rolls?
The main difference between Banana Turon and regular spring rolls is the filling. While regular spring rolls typically contain savory ingredients such as vegetables or meat, Banana Turon is filled with sweet bananas. The wrapper used for Banana Turon is also usually thinner and more delicate than the wrapper used for regular spring rolls.
Another difference is the cooking method. While regular spring rolls can be steamed or pan-fried, Banana Turon is typically deep-fried until crispy. This gives the dessert a crunchy exterior that complements the soft, sweet bananas inside.
Can I use regular bananas instead of saba bananas?
Yes, you can use regular bananas instead of saba bananas to make Banana Turon. However, keep in mind that regular bananas are sweeter and softer than saba bananas, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dessert. Saba bananas are starchier and firmer, which makes them hold their shape better when cooked.
If you do decide to use regular bananas, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar or syrup used in the recipe to balance out the flavor. You can also try using a combination of regular and saba bananas for a unique flavor and texture.
How do I make the syrup for Banana Turon?
The syrup for Banana Turon is typically made by combining sugar, water, and a touch of vanilla extract in a saucepan. The mixture is then heated until the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet and sticky syrup. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, and you can also add other flavorings such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup.
To make the syrup, simply combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in a touch of vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool before using it to coat the Banana Turon.
Can I bake Banana Turon instead of deep-frying it?
Yes, you can bake Banana Turon instead of deep-frying it. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the dessert will be slightly different. Baked Banana Turon will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but it won’t have the same crunch and flavor as deep-fried Banana Turon.
To bake Banana Turon, simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with a little bit of oil. Bake the Banana Turon for 15-20 minutes, or until the wrapper is crispy and golden brown.
How do I store Banana Turon?
Banana Turon is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
To store Banana Turon, simply place it in an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’re storing it in the refrigerator, you can also wrap it in a damp paper towel to keep it moist. If you’re freezing it, you can wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I make Banana Turon ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Banana Turon ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and fry the dessert just before serving. You can prepare the ingredients, such as wrapping the bananas in the lumpia wrapper, ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day.
However, it’s best to fry the Banana Turon just before serving, as the wrapper can become soggy if it’s stored for too long. If you do need to make it ahead of time, you can try baking it instead of deep-frying it, as baked Banana Turon can be stored for longer than deep-fried Banana Turon.