Can I use overripe bananas?

When selecting bananas for Bananas in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chee), opt for those that are just ripe. Perfectly ripe bananas have a bright yellow peel with minimal brown spots. These bananas will provide the ideal balance of sweetness and texture. Overripe bananas, while sweeter, will be too mushy and may disintegrate during cooking, resulting in a less appealing texture. Just-ripe bananas will soften nicely in the coconut milk without falling apart, maintaining their shape and contributing to the dessert's overall visual and textural appeal.

Can this dessert be frozen?

Bananas in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chee) are best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate the bananas' natural sweetness and the rich creaminess of coconut milk. If you have leftovers or want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze them. Let the dessert cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This preserves the texture and consistency, allowing you to enjoy the dessert's flavors even after storing.

Are there any nut-free options for garnishing?

If you need nut-free options for garnishing Bananas in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chee), consider using coconut flakes, which add crunch and enhance the coconut flavor. Lightly toast them to bring out their natural sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon is another excellent choice, adding warmth and aromatic complexity. For a fresh touch, mint leaves can balance the richness, while a drizzle of honey introduces extra sweetness. These alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert, regardless of nut allergies.

How can I make this dessert less sweet?

To make Bananas in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chee) less sweet, reduce the amount of added sugar. Increase the number of ripe bananas for natural sweetness. Add more coconut milk to dilute the sweetness while maintaining the creamy texture. Consider a small squeeze of lime juice to introduce a slight tanginess for added complexity. These adjustments ensure a balanced, less sweet dessert while preserving its flavor.

Bananas in Coconut Milk (kluay buat chee)

Name: Creamy Bananas in Coconut Milk
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, sliced into pieces; 2 cups of coconut milk; 1/2 cup of sugar; 1/4 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional); 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Description

Bananas in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chee) is a traditional Thai dessert that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This simple yet delightful dish simmers banana slices in sweetened coconut milk, enhanced with a pinch of salt and optional vanilla extract for extra flavor. Served either warm or chilled, it's garnished with toasted sesame seeds to add a subtle crunch. This dessert is celebrated for its comforting texture and harmonious blend of flavors, making it a favorite for its ease of preparation and soothing taste

Ingredients

Scale

4 ripe bananas, sliced into pieces
2 cups of coconut milk
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preparing the Coconut Milk: Add the sugar and salt to the coconut milk in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until it gently boils. Keep stirring to ensure that the sugar completely dissolves in the coconut milk.
Cooking the Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the bananas are soft and the mixture slightly thickens.
Adding Flavor: If using vanilla extract, gently stir it into the dessert. The vanilla extract will enhance the dessert's aroma and add a delightful layer of flavor, enriching the overall taste experience.
Serving: Serve warm or chilled dessert garnished with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

Notes

Choosing Bananas: When selecting bananas for cooking, choosing ripe but firm ones is essential. This means the bananas should be yellow with a few brown spots, indicating ripeness, but not overly soft or mushy. Ripe yet firm bananas will hold their shape well during cooking, adding a pleasant texture to your dish.

Adjusting Sweetness: Adjust the sugar amount according to your taste and the ripeness of your bananas. You may use less sugar if your bananas are ripe, but you might add more if they are less ripe. Ultimately, the sweetness level is entirely up to you.

Serving Temperature: This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled, accommodating individual preferences.

Dietary Modifications: To create a vegan-friendly version, it's important to carefully check the coconut milk's ingredients to ensure that they do not contain any animal-derived components.

Enhancing Texture: To elevate the sensory experience of your dish, consider adding a generous sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts just before serving. The sesame seeds will contribute a nutty aroma and a delightful crunch, while the crushed peanuts will add a rich, earthy flavor and a satisfying texture. This addition will enhance the dish's visual appeal and provide a harmonious blend of flavors and textures to delight your taste buds.

Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Category: Dessert
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1cup
Calories: 280kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg