Banana Rhuma: A Unique Take on Turon

Before diving headfirst into the rich, sweet world of Banana Rhuma, we should first understand its inspiration—Turon. Turon, or banana lumpia, is a classic Filipino dessert that is as much a part of the culture as it is of the cuisine. Picture this: Saba bananas wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and deep-fried to a crispy, golden perfection, coated with a delicate layer of caramelized brown sugar. This is Turon, a sweet dessert or snack enjoyed throughout the day.

The Birth of Banana Rhuma

Enter Banana Rhuma, a twist on Turon that makes the familiar delicacy dance with new flavors. It’s Turon taken to a different level. It was introduced in 2006 by Mang Tootz or Mr. Edwin Vergara, and it soon swept the university belt area of Manila off its feet. Think of Turon, but with a kick of Rhum, the distinctive sweetness of jackfruit, the tropical zing of pineapple juice, and the warm spice of cinnamon. That’s Banana Rhuma for you, a dessert or snack that pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of melon juice.

Banana Rhuma Recipe: A Feast for the Senses

The magic of Banana Rhuma begins with ripe saba bananas or plantains. Next, they are enveloped in lumpia wrappers, fried until they reach a tempting golden brown, and then painted with a rhum-infused syrup. The final touch comes in the form of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the top and a light dusting of powdered sugar, cinnamon, and skimmed milk. It’s a delicious sweet snack, a delightful burst of flavors and textures that would make any foodie’s heart sing.

Cooking Banana Rhuma: Tips for Success

Creating Banana Rhuma may sound complex, but it’s pretty straightforward, provided you follow some essential tips. First, select ripe but firm bananas. This ensures the right balance of sweetness and texture. Next, when wrapping the Turon, roll them tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying. Add sugar last to achieve the desired thickness without over-sweetening the syrup when making the sauce, and cutting the bananas into strips before frying allows them to cook evenly and imbue the wrapper with their sweet essence.

Lumpia Wrappers in Banana Rhuma

A pivotal ingredient in Banana Rhuma is the lumpia or spring roll wrapper. These thin sheets of flour, water, and salt give the dessert its characteristic crunch once fried. They’re easy to handle, seal the filling nicely, and their neutral flavor lets the sweet taste of the bananas and syrup take center stage.

Interested in making homemade lumpia wrappers? You can follow this recipe by Knorr. This guide provides a step-by-step process for making wrappers, from mixing the dough to cooking it into thin, delicate sheets.

In the end, Banana Rhuma, with its sweet, crunchy, and touch of intoxicating flavors, will leave you wanting more. Its delectable taste will make it a star at any gathering, while its rich cultural background will leave you with a new appreciation for Filipino cuisine. So why not make Banana Rhuma today?

SEE THE FULL RECIPE BELOW!

Banana Rhuma Turon

5 from 1 vote

Course: Snacks, DessertCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Medium

Servings

28

pieces

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories per Piece

375

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Banana Rhuma is a flavorful take on the classic Filipino Turon, featuring the tropical delights of saba bananas, jackfruit, and pineapple juice, along with a kick of rum. Topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon dusting, it’s a sweet treat that’ll win hearts.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 7 pcs 7 Saba Banana

• 1/4 cup 1/4 Butter

• 1/2 cup 1/2 Langka (jackfruit)

• 2 tbsp 2 Banana Flavor

• 1 tbsp 1 Banana Essense

• 1 tbsp 1 Rhum

• 1 cup 1 Pineapple Juice

• 1 1/4 cup 1 1/4 Brown Sugar

• 1/4 cup 1/4 Sesame Seeds

• Toppings:

• Powdered Sugar

• Skim Milk

• Cinnamon

Directions

• Prep the Bananas: Peel the saba bananas and cut them into strips. Set aside.
• Wrap the Bananas: Take a piece of lumpia wrapper (you can also cut it in half if you prefer less wrapper) and place some banana slices in the center. Roll the wrapper tightly around the banana, tucking in the ends to seal it. Repeat this with the remaining bananas and wrappers.
• Fry the Lumpia: Melt the butter over medium heat in a frying pan. Place the wrapped bananas into the pan and fry them until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the pan and let them drain on a paper towel.
• Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, rhum, banana essence, and brown sugar. Stir over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
• Add the Jackfruit: Stir in the jackfruit and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Coat the Lumpia: Add the fried lumpia to the sauce, toss and coat them well.
• Serve: Sprinkle the coated lumpia with toasted sesame seeds, powdered sugar, skim milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Banana Rhuma!

Recipe Video

Notes

• Remember to serve Banana Rhuma immediately after coating it with the sweet syrup to maintain its crispiness. 
• Enjoy this delightful treat with your favorite hot or cold beverage as a dessert or snack.

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