Tahitian Banana Fritters

Bananas grow everywhere in French Polynesia, and island cooks have turned them into everything from desserts to fritters. The beignets de banane sold at Tahitian markets and school fairs are a beloved morning treat — a simple batter folded with ripe banana and fried until the edges turn lacy and crisp.

What makes them great is the caramelization: the bananas turn jammy and sweet inside the golden crust while the coconut milk in the batter keeps them tender and faintly tropical. Dusted with sugar and eaten hot from the pan, they are the perfect island breakfast — and they rarely make it to the table before a few have vanished.

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