Ugandan Banana Pancakes (Kabalagala)
Kabalagala, a popular Ugandan snack, typically requires just ripe bananas and cassava flour. Optional ingredients include sugar, baking soda, and oil for frying. Some recipes also include a pinch of salt.
Kabalagala has been the ultimate desert/snack for almost as long as I can remember. Thinking back, a lot of memories are attached to this delicacy right here. And since we have already dubbed the Rolex as the nation’s ultimate power street food/snack, I though it only fair to give these sweet banana pancakes the spotlight too. Because lets be honest: Who does not love pancakes? They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, supper and as a snack too. And what not a better way to have them with a favourite drink/ beverage? Ultimate dessert it is!
Traditionally, pancakes are a mix of just plain cassava flour and ripe sweet bananas which yields a well textured mildly sweet chewy pancake. I decided to add a little sugar because this sweet tooth I tell you! along side baking soda, it helps create a soft sweet pancake. I could go on and on but the bottom line is these pancakes are worth a try. I have put together a small video to guide you. Watch it below and get frying.
Here's a breakdown of the common ingredients:
Ripe Bananas: These provide the sweetness and flavor.
Cassava Flour: Acts as the binding agent and adds texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness, though some prefer to omit it.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that can help with the texture.
Oil: For frying.
Method
Peel the ripe bananas and place in a bowl. Mash them till almost smooth.
Add sugar and baking soda and mix well.
Add cassava flour to the mashed bananas gradually until a non sticky soft dough forms. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Place a clean plastic/cling film on a flat surface. Using hands, spread dough out to about a centimeter in thickness.
Using a round-shaped cookie-cutter/glass, cut out the pancakes. Repeat the process till all the dough is used up.
Heat oil on medium heat. Fry pancakes until golden brown and fragrant.
Serve warm.
