Plantains “Foster” with Coconut Whip

Bananas Foster. Probably my most favourite dessert…ever.

I know, that’s quite the claim. Of all the desserts out there though, Bananas Foster is like the creme de la creme for me! The first time I had it was at the Jasper Park Lodge years ago, and I was sold. It’s my Dad’s favourite too. So… incredibly…delicious.

I mean, what’s not to love about bananas, sugar, rum, and ice cream?! Well… probably the wicked stomach ache that would ensue after eating the bananas foster. That’s definitely not to love.

So this was my challenge – how do I make Bananas Foster… with a twist, so that not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also dairy and refined-sugar free.. and (mostly) Paleo friendly?

I think I hit the nail on the head with this one!

I started with making a simple coconut whip cream in place of traditional ice cream.

I was inspired by Tasty Yummies to make my own version of coconut whipped cream using full fat canned coconut, vanilla extract, and stevia as a sweetener. I know stevia isn’t paleo, so the use of honey, coconut palm sugar, or maple syrup would be fine too!

Coconut whipped cream is fantastic! It’s rich, creamy, dreamy, and delicious, and totally dairy-free so it won’t kill my stomach (or yours if you have the same intolerance to dairy as me!). It’s not “low calorie” by any means but the richness of it makes a little go a long way!

Instead of bananas for the foster, I went with P L A N T A I N S! My new favourite discovery!

Plantains are like a sturdier banana, so they are perfect for sautéing in this dish without ending up mushy, which definitely happens when using bananas – or happened to me when I tried anyways.

Plantains are actually quite the nutritional powerhouse as well as they are a fantastic source of fibre, Vitamin B, C, and A, and they provide an ample amount of potassium (more than bananas!) and magnesium!

I don’t find plantains as sweet as bananas, but I still love how they work in a sweet dish like this. I’ve also been eating them a lot lately for breakfast instead of oatmeal. I will sauté sliced plantains in a pan with cinnamon and berries, and drizzle with almond butter – it’s divine and keeps me energized all morning!

This Plantain Foster is so quick and easy to make, and yet, by the taste and appearance, you’d never guess that! I made this for my hubby a few weeks ago on his birthday, using bananas, and it was received very well! Subtly sweet, creamy and rich, and peppered with cinnamon throughout!

This dish is definitely a healthy dessert that just has “dive in” written all over it!

So, do you like plantains? If so, how do you enjoy eating them?  

Plantains "Foster" with Coconut Whip

 

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Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1 medium plantain, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar or 10 drops stevia
• 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tablespoon good quality dark rum
• For the Coconut Whip:
• 1 can full fat coconut milk
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coconut nectar/agave nectar/raw honey or 10 drops liquid stevia

Instructions

1. Place the can of coconut milk in the fridge and leave overnight.
2. Once left overnight, open the can, and scoop the coconut cream out leaving the coconut water for another use (put in a smoothie :)).
3. Add the coconut cream to a bowl with the vanilla and sweetener of choice and whip using an electric beater. Whip until stiff peaks form. Place in the fridge.
4. Heat a large pan over medium -high heat and add in 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
5. Once coconut oil is melted and pan is hot, add in sliced plantain, cinnamon, sugar/stevia, and coconut and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
6. While the pan is still hot, add in rum and continue to sauté the plantain.
7. Reduce heat to a simmer and sauté for 2-3 more minutes.
8. Divide the plantain among 2-3 bowls.
9. Top with ¼ cup of the coconut whip.
10. Enjoy!

Notes

You will have extra coconut whip leftover so just store in a tupperware in the fridge and use to fill crepes, top pancakes, dip an apple in, etc. It's like cool whip!!

3.5.3208

Christal

Nutritionist in the Kitch