Fried bananas with vanilla ice-cream

Fried bananas are a popular dessert and snack food in Thailand and throughout Southeast-Asia.  It's difficult to make fried bananas as good as those sold by street food vendors in Thailand and elsewhere - that said,  I like serving them with Vanilla ice cream,or a just enjoy them with maple syrup. A great way to use up old bananas, and even kids love them.

Ingredients:

• 2-4 regular bananas (old ones work well), OR 6-8 mini sweet bananas
• 125 g  all-purpose flour
• 60 g Brown Sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 85 ml  Soda 
• 1 egg
• few drops vanilla flavoring 
• 1 tsp.  Cinnamon powder
• sunflower oil, canola, or other oil for frying

  Preparation:

  1. Place oil into a small frying pan or wok and set ready to go on your stove. Oil should be 3/4 to 1 inch deep.
  2. To prepare bananas, peel and slice in half. Then slice each section in half again, but lengthwise this time. (If using mini bananas, simply slice once lengthwise.)
  3. Place all-purpose flour, salt, Cinnamon powder together in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
  4.  Also crack in the egg and add the vanilla. Stir well with a fork  and pour Soda water into bowl with flour mixture. Stir well to create a more or less smooth batter
  5. Dip banana pieces in the batter.
  6. Heat up the oil over high heat. When a breadcrumb sizzles and cooks within a few seconds, oil is hot enough to fry. Carefully set coated bananas in the hot oil. Fry approximately 1-2 minute per side, or until batter puffs up slightly and turns light to medium golden-brown. Remove from heat and drain on paper towel.
  7. Serve your fried bananas as soon as possible, adding vanilla ice cream or maple syrup on the side, or just eat them plain - they're fantastic either way! If serving at a party, place them on a serving platter and sprinkle over a little icing sugar (as shown). Makes a terrific finger food, and people love them. Enjoy!