Banana in Sugar Syrup
(Minatamis na Saging)

Banana in Sugar Syrup
(Minatamis na Saging)

For those who have sweet tooth and can’t live a day without sugar, this sweet dessert recipe is for you. Because the Philippines, as a tropical country, is blessed with an abundance of fruits, it is ever present in our meals, from appetizer, to main dish to side dish, and of course, dessert. We grow different varieties of bananas all over the country. Some are sweet and can be eaten raw, and some are best for cooking, like the saba. They also come in all shapes, sizes and colors, from green to yellow to red. Just take your pick, and need I say that it is also rich in potassium?

Minatamis na Saging or Banana in Sugar Syrup is a well-loved dessert also known as Kusilbang Saging. Kusilba is a Tagalog word for fruit preserves, similar to marmalades and jams. We use saba (plantains or cardaba bananas) for this dessert. This type of banana has an oval shape and is elongated and fat. This variety has a wide array of dishes where it is used, from savory dishes like Pochero, Patatim and Nilagang Baka, to sweet desserts like Banana Cue, Turon and Ginataang Halo-halo.

Minatamis na Saging is cooked by sweetening the banana in a mixture of brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract and water. This recipe is relatively short and simple, and anybody can make this. This basic recipe is also the one you will need in making Saging con Yelo, a popular summer treat. Just add evaporated milk and crushed ice.

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins
Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients:
6 pcs medium ripe saba, sliced diagonally
2 cups water
5 tbsp butter or cooking oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
calamansi juice

Cooking Directions:
1. Fry the sliced saba in butter or oil in a pan. Remove from pan and set them aside.
2. In another pan, add the vanilla, sugar, salt, few drops of calamansi juice and water. Put the fried saba back in. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Before removing from the pan, make sure that the sugar has already thickened and caramelized, and the bananas are tender.
4. Allow it to cool and transfer to a serving dish. Serve it plain or with your favorite topping like condensed milk, slices of leche flan or vanilla ice cream. You could also sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top.
5. Enjoy!

Banana in Sugar Syrup (Minatamis na Saging)