Benin Bananas in Orange Sauce is a delightful dessert originating from the West African country of Benin. This dish features ripe bananas bathed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, creating a unique and refreshing flavor profile. The sauce, infused with freshly squeezed orange juice and hints of cinnamon, adds depth to the naturally sweet bananas. 

This dessert is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, requiring basic ingredients like bananas, oranges, brown sugar, and spices. It offers a warm and comforting treat, perfect for chilly evenings or any occasion where a touch of tropical sweetness is desired.

Benin Bananas in Orange Sauce is enjoyed for its simplicity and the balance of flavors it offers. Whether served alone or garnished with whipped cream or nuts, it promises to satisfy those seeking a new and exciting dessert experience.

Benin Bananas in Orange Sauce combines ingredients known for their health benefits: bananas provide vitamins and fiber for digestion, while oranges offer antioxidants and immune support. Brown sugar adds sweetness without overwhelming health-conscious eaters, making this dessert a flavorful and nutritious choice.

To make Benin Bananas in Orange Sauce, you will need the following

ingredients:

1- 4 ripe bananas

2- 2 oranges

3- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

4- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

5- 2 tablespoons of butter

6- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Method:

1- Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds.

2- Squeeze the juice from the oranges and set it aside.

3- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

4- Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and orange juice to the saucepan and stir until everything is well combined.

5- Increase the heat to medium and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, which should take around 5 minutes.

6- Add the banana slices to the saucepan and gently stir them to coat them with the orange sauce.

7- Cook the bananas in the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until the bananas are heated through.

8- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

9- Serve the bananas in bowls and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top.

Here are some notes and tips to keep in mind when making Benin Bananas in Orange Sauce:

1- Make sure to use ripe bananas for this recipe as they will be sweeter and softer than unripe bananas.

2- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more brown sugar to the recipe.

3- You can also add a splash of rum to the sauce to give it a bit of extra flavor.

Nutrition Value:

Now, let's take a look at the nutrition facts for Benin Bananas in Orange Sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 178
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g

 Here's the approximate nutritional information for each item:

1. 4 ripe bananas:

  - Calories: Approximately 360 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 92 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 4 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 1.5 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 4 milligrams

benefits:

• Rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and blood pressure control.
• High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
• Contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.

2. 2 oranges:

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 28 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 2 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0.5 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0 milligram

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

3. 2 tablespoons of brown sugar:

  - Calories: Approximately 90 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 23 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 2 milligrams

benefits:

• Contains slightly more minerals (like calcium, iron, and potassium) than white sugar due to its molasses content, although the amounts are not significant.
• Provides a sweet flavor that can enhance the taste of dishes.

4. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract:

  - Calories: Approximately 12 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.5 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0 milligrams

benefits:

• Adds flavor without adding calories or sugar.
• Contains small amounts of antioxidants.
• May have a calming effect on the body.

5. 2 tablespoons of butter:

  - Calories: Approximately 200 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 22 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 152 milligrams

benefits:

• Contains saturated fats and cholesterol, so it's best consumed in moderation.
• Provides energy and adds flavor to dishes.

6. 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon:

  - Calories: Approximately 2 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.5 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0 milligrams

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood sugar levels.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size of the fruits or variations in specific ingredients (e.g., different brands of butter). Additionally, nutritional values can change depending on how the ingredients are prepared or cooked.

This dessert is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which makes it a healthy and tasty option for anyone who is looking for a dessert that is both delicious and good for them.