Indulge in the tropical warmth of Suafa I, a traditional Samoan dessert featuring tender bananas gently simmered in a luxurious coconut cream sauce. Combining ripe bananas—preferably fei or Cavendish—with creamy coconut milk, a touch of vanilla, and just a hint of sweetness, this dish beautifully balances flavors of the South Pacific in every comforting bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dessert is as easy to make as it is irresistible, offering a velvety texture and natural sweetness that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Serve it warm and finish with an optional sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Perfect for sharing, Suafa I is the ultimate way to bring a taste of Samoa to your table. Keywords: Samoan dessert, tropical recipes, bananas with coconut cream, island-inspired dessert.
Peel the bananas and cut them into halves or thirds, depending on their size, to create uniform pieces.
In a medium-sized pot, combine the coconut milk, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the coconut mixture to just below boiling. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors are well combined.
Add the banana pieces to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the coconut liquid.
Reduce the heat to low and let the bananas simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft but not falling apart.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Serve warm in bowls, ensuring each portion has both bananas and coconut cream. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkling of toasted coconut or a drizzle of additional coconut milk before serving.
Calories |
916 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.9 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 231 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 229.9 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.6 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 145.7 g | ||
| Protein | 7.8 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 2974 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.