Akwadu (Roasted Bananas with Coconut)
In short: Bananas brushed with butter and roasted in orange juice until golden and sticky, then topped with grated coconut. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 230 kcal
Akwadu is the simplest dessert in Equatorial Guinea, and it doubles as a breakfast: bananas brushed with butter and roasted until golden and sticky. A splash of orange and lemon juice, a little sugar and cinnamon turn the pan juices into a light syrup, and grated coconut goes over the top. It needs only a handful of ingredients and almost no skill, which is why it works so well for guests at short notice.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Peel the bananas, halve them lengthwise and lay them cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Brush the bananas with the melted butter.
- Stir the orange juice, lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon together and pour the mixture around the bananas.
- Bake for 12 minutes. Spoon the juices over the bananas, turn them over and bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, until golden and tender with caramelized edges.
- If using dried coconut, toast it in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until pale gold. Serve the warm bananas with the pan juices spooned over and the coconut on top.
Tips
- Choose bananas that are yellow with only a few spots. Very soft ones collapse in the oven, while green ones stay starchy.
- Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use honey instead of sugar if you like.
Questions and answers
Can I make akwadu without an oven?
Yes. Cook the buttered bananas in a covered frying pan over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, adding the juices for the last few minutes.
What can I serve with akwadu?
Plain yogurt, vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream all go well. For breakfast, serve it with coffee and extra coconut.
Can I use plantains?
Yes, ripe plantains with mostly black skin work well. Roast them for 5 to 10 minutes longer, since they are firmer than bananas.
How long does it take to make Akwadu (Roasted Bananas with Coconut)?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Akwadu (Roasted Bananas with Coconut)?
About 230 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 37 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
