Kolak Pisang (Banana in Palm Sugar Coconut Milk)
In short: Bananas and sweet potato simmered in a coconut milk and palm sugar syrup scented with pandan and cinnamon, a warm sweet soup served at iftar. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Kolak is the warm sweet soup Indonesians make during Ramadan to break the fast. Bananas and sweet potato simmer in a syrup of palm sugar and coconut milk scented with pandan and cinnamon, until soft and glossy. It is comforting, mildly sweet and very easy. Use bananas that are ripe but still firm, so they hold their shape in the pot.
Instructions
- Put the water, palm sugar, pandan leaves and cinnamon in a pot. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sweet potato and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until almost tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the coconut milk and salt. Heat gently, stirring now and then, without letting it boil hard.
- Add the banana pieces and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender but not falling apart.
- Taste and add a little more sugar or a pinch of salt if needed. Remove the pandan leaves and cinnamon.
- Serve warm in bowls, or chilled over ice.
Tips
- Do not boil after adding coconut milk, or it will split and look grainy. Stir gently, as the bananas break easily.
- Pumpkin, cassava, tapioca pearls or jackfruit are common additions. Plantains hold their shape best; regular bananas should go in at the very end.
Questions and answers
Can I make kolak ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 2 days in the fridge, so reheat it gently and stir carefully. The bananas darken slightly, but the taste is still good.
Can I serve kolak cold?
Yes. Chill it for 3 hours and serve over ice for a refreshing dessert. Many Indonesians enjoy it both ways.
What banana is best for kolak?
Plantains or cooking bananas such as saba keep their shape. If using regular bananas, choose slightly underripe ones and add them at the very end.
How long does it take to make Kolak Pisang (Banana in Palm Sugar Coconut Milk)?
About 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kolak Pisang (Banana in Palm Sugar Coconut Milk)?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
