Skip to main content

Bananas in Coconut Milk

The small “finger” bananas are perfect for this, because they’re denser-fleshed than regular bananas; you can find them at many supermarkets and almost all Asian and Latin markets. Regular bananas work well too, of course, but they should not be too ripe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups thick, unsweetened coconut milk, preferably homemade (page 584)
2 tablespoons sugar, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
7 or 8 finger bananas or 3 regular bananas

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are dissolved, just a few minutes. Meanwhile, peel the bananas and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add the bananas to the saucepan and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes. Do not let the bananas get mushy.

    Step 2

    Spoon into individual bowls and serve warm.

  2. Bananas in Tapioca Coconut Milk

    Step 3

    Bring 2 cups water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Add 1/4 cup tapioca pearls and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 15 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Add the bananas and proceed as directed.

The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman. © 2005 by Mark Bittman. Published by Broadway Books. All Rights Reserved. MARK BITTMAN is the author of the blockbuster The Best Recipes in the World (Broadway, 2005) and the classic bestseller How to Cook Everything, which has sold more than one million copies. He is also the coauthor, with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, of Simple to Spectacular and Jean-Georges: Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef. Mr. Bittman is a prolific writer, makes frequent appearances on radio and television, and is the host of The Best Recipes in the World, a 13-part series on public television. He lives in New York and Connecticut.
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.