Caramelized Bananas with Yogurt and Berries

The weather has been beautiful here in Seattle. Even a little too hot for my blood, but nonetheless wonderful. Blue bird skies and summer activities fill my days. Yet with this heat, the mornings are my favorite. Everything has cooled down and the sun is still behind the trees. Just the individual rays of warmth touch the garden and the outdoor patio. These few hours are just so peaceful. Its only me, the birds, and my breakfast…and of course a good book. Its been a year since I last read a novel and my deprived mind devours the simple text and beautiful images like a child eating Easter chocolate. The last twelve months have been spent reading only textbooks...

Today, instead of my normal fruit bowl, oatmeal, or egg scramble, I decided to do an old time family favorite. Something I haven’t made in fifteen years. Fried bananas. Quick, easy, and different, yet utilizing all the normal ingredients you have at home, this breakfast or even light dessert, is very comforting and perfect for a quiet summer morning.

The bananas are sautéed in oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee) and topped with rolled oats and maple syrup. Fresh berries and yogurt finalize this dish offering bright flavors and creamy texture while the roasted walnuts give a subtle crunch. It is simple and delicious. Not to mention it is also gluten-free and vegan (if you choose soy or coconut yogurt and coconut/olive oil).

Eating a balanced breakfast containing fats, complex carbohydrates, and protein is a great way to start the day, keeping you energized and full till lunch. In the coconut fried bananas protein is found in the yogurt, complex carbohydrates in the oats, banana, and berries, and healthy fats, including omega-3 in the walnuts.

Enjoy this comforting breakfast, outside in the morning sunshine, with a cup of tea, and your favorite book.

Caramelized Bananas

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon coconut oil/extra virgin olive oil/ghee

1 banana
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons rolled oats

Pinch sea salt

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/2 cup plain full fat Greek yogurt

Fresh berries

DIRECTIONS

In a small frying pan heat oil over medium heat. Slice banana in half lengthwise and cut into quarters. With flat side facing down place the banana quarters into the pan. They should make a sizzling noise. Allow the bananas to brown and flip onto other side.

Toss the rolled oats and walnuts around the bananas and sauté. Sprinkle everything with a pinch of salt. Drizzle maple syrup over the bananas and sauté until bananas are browned and caramelized on the bottom as well.

Place bananas onto plate and top with toasted rolled oats and walnuts. Garnish with a generous dollop of plain yogurt, and fresh berries.

Note: This also tastes great on top of oatmeal! Just omit the rolled oats and garnish with the same toppings, or anything else you like!