Cookbook Countdown #5 : Bananas In Coconut Milk

Cookbook Countdown is a monthly cooking/baking event, which I'm co-hosting with Emily's Cooking (Makan2) Foray.  Everyone is welcome to join us. How does it work? To summarize, you may select a cookbook from your own cookbook collection, to cook or bake from each month. That selected book shall be your cookbook of the month. You may cook any recipes and as many recipes as you want from your selected book of the month. This is a fabulous way of using your cookbooks at least once! For more information on how to join Cookbook Countdown, please click here. 

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Cookbook Countdown #5 : Recipe No. 4 - Bananas In Coconut Milk

from my selected cookbook for this month, Wild, Wild East by Bobby Chinn

I have seen this dessert on the menu of one Vietnamese restaurant a few weeks ago, but unfortunately they do not serve this dessert on that day. Found the recipe in Wild, Wild, West and gave it a go. This is similar to our local Bubur Cha-Cha which uses taro and sweet potatoes. I have not tried with bananas before, which is indeed a very nice change.

When using bananas, be sure to slice them thick, as they gets soft and mushy rather quickly during the simmering. I have used more coconut milk and water. This dessert is served with some garnishing which I have omitted. I was lazy to toast the sesame seeds and we do not like peanuts. Did not have shredded coconut either. So we had it plain as it is, which is quite delicious!

This dessert may be served either warm or cold with crushed ice. We prefer it warm. And when it is at room temperature, it sets a little thicker. A tablespoon or two of hot water may be stirred into the bowl before serving.  Very nice dessert, a good one to enjoy with the family on weekends.



Bananas In Coconut Milk
(adapted from "Wild, Wild East" by Bobby Chinn)
Serves 6
8 tbsp very small tapioca pearls
1 cup (240ml) coconut milk (I use 2 cups)
1-1/4 cups (225gm) sugar (or to taste)
4 large bananas
crushed ice to serve (optional)
4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
4 tbsp toasted chopped peanuts
4 tbsp shredded coconut
a pinch of salt (my addition)

Place the tapioca pearls in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for about 20 minutes until they are slightly translucent. Drain under cold running water and reserve.

In a pot over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and 1 cup (240ml) water (I use 1-1/2 cups water). Bring to a simmer, but do not allow it to boil. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

Peel the bananas and cut them into 2-in (5-cm) chunks. Add to the coconut mixture with the tapioca pearls. Simmer the mixture for another 10 minutes or until the tapioca pearls are perfectly cooked. Remove from the heat.

Serve hot in individual bowls, or chill and serve in a glass with crushed ice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and shredded coconut.

I'm linking this post with Cookbook Countdown hosted by 

Kitchen Flavours and Emily's Cooking (Makan2) Foray