Sunday, November 18, 2012


Banana Pancake with caramelized banana and caramel sauce

Banana pancakes are a firm favourite with one and all ,from the kids to the oldies.The real beauty of banana pancakes truly are an uncomplicated, versatile, quick and easy to make nutritious dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day,Specially if it is served with caramelized banana and caramel sauce. Furthermore; even those over-ripe bananas, which would otherwise be thrown into the trash can be used in the production of banana pancakes. This is something we are all going to have to come to terms with in these economically difficult times.Let us start with a basic banana pancake recipe and then move on to making some changes and additions to give your banana pancakes that something special; the personal touch. Get the basics right and own the dish
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 40-45 Mins
Yield: 15
Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup All purpose flour/maida
  • 11/2tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 cup Butter melted
  • 1/2tsp vanilla essence
  • 3 Egg whites
  • 2 Egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup Caramel sauce 
  • Caramelized Banana  for topping
Cooking Directions
  1. First task is to thoroughly mash two of the bananas in a mixing bowl and then thinly slice the third banana into the same bowl. Note that over ripe bananas are ideally suited to being mashed.
  2. Next select a large mixing bowl and combine all of the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Do make sure that you mix these ingredients thoroughly so that your mixture is an even blend. Once done set aside both bowl and mix.
  3. combine the egg yolks, vanilla, melted butter and buttermilk and mashed banana and prepare smooth paste using your blender. Once again make sure that you mix these ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Now add this mixture to Flour mixture,stirring all the while you do so. It is important that both mixtures are combined by gradually adding the flour mixture to the egg mixture and not vice versa.
  5. Now beat egg whites and slowly add sugar and beat well.
  6. Now gently fold in the the egg whites into the flour mixture, slowly incorporating the flour.
  7. Continue stirring until the mixture is just blended. Take care not to over-mix the combined mixture.Rest the batter for 10 minutes.
  8. Heat a large well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or favourite griddle over medium-high heat. Swirl the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet (or use oil to coat the griddle) and immediately pour in 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. When bubbles rise to the surface, flip the pancakes, slightly reduce the heat, and cook until the bottoms are golden and the centres are cooked, about 1 minute.
  9. Now carefully turn pancakes over,cook for 1 more minute or until bottom is well browned.
  10. Top with Caramelized Banana and serve with warm Caramel sauce 
Variations:
Use honey, Maple syrup,butterscotch and fresh fruits of your choice  in place of the caramel sauce.

Caramel sauce

This is simple caramel sauce goes well with any kind of desserts,pancakes or even with your plain vanilla ice cream.
Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 3tbsp Butter
  • 11/2 tbsp Corn flour/starch
  • 1/4tsp Orange zest
  • 3 - 4 tbsp Water
Cooking Directions


  1. Prepare corn starch by mixing corn flour with little water to make smooth paste.
  2. Place the sugar, water and corn paste in a pan and bring to a slow boil, keep stirring until it changes to light brown in colour.Take off heat.
  3. Add cream and fold in.Place back on heat and mix thoroughly, add butter and zest and remove from heat immediately and stir.
  4. Let stand for 10-15 mins.