1 Delicious Burkina Faso Banfora (Fried Pastry with Pineapple). Craving a taste of sunshine? Look no further than Banfora! This cherished Burkina Faso dessert features a light, fluffy pastry filled with juicy pineapple and a touch of cinnamon. Deep-fried until golden brown, Banfora offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
1 Delicious Burkina Faso Banfora (Fried Pastry with Pineapple)
1 Delicious Burkina Faso Banfora (Fried Pastry with Pineapple).
Nestled within Burkina Faso’s rich culinary scene lies a hidden gem – the Banfora. This delightful fried pastry isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a cultural touchstone offering a glimpse into the country’s love for simplicity and celebration.
The exact origin of the Banfora remains a delicious mystery. Some believe it arose from bustling street vendors, offering a quick and satisfying snack. Others suggest it might be inspired by similar West African delights, each region adding its own twist. Regardless of its beginnings, Banfora has become a beloved dessert enjoyed by families and a staple at festivities.
The beauty of Banfora lies in its simplicity. Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and the star of the show – fresh, ripe pineapple chunks – are all readily available in local markets. These simple ingredients combine to create a symphony of textures and flavors.
Preparing Banfora is a process steeped in tradition. The dough, a light and pliable blend of flour, fat, and sweetness, is gently infused with chopped pineapple. Some recipes call for soaking the pineapple in sugar to further intensify its sweetness. Finally, the Banfora are transformed in a hot oil bath, achieving a golden-brown perfection with a light and fluffy interior.
The moment a Banfora emerges from the oil, its aroma fills the air – a tantalizing mix of sweet pastry and caramelized pineapple. The first bite is a revelation: a crisp exterior gives way to a light and fluffy interior with bursts of juicy sweetness from the pineapple. A subtle hint of cinnamon adds warmth, creating a delightful explosion of taste that lingers on the palate.
Banfora’s versatility extends beyond a simple dessert. It can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or even found in savory versions filled with spiced meats or vegetables at street vendors.
More than just a delicious treat, Banfora is a symbol of celebration in Burkina Faso. It’s a staple at festivals, weddings, and family gatherings, bringing people together over shared enjoyment. The act of preparing Banfora can be a communal experience, fostering connection and tradition.
For those with a sweet tooth, Banfora offers a unique window into Burkina Faso’s vibrant culture. It’s a testament to the country’s love for simple yet satisfying flavors, its reliance on fresh, local ingredients, and its warm hospitality. So, on your next culinary adventure, seek out the golden-hued Banfora and savor a taste of sunshine, tradition, and Burkina Faso charm.
- 2 1/2 cups self raising flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pineapple
- 1 egg beaten
- A couple tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
- Cinnamon and sugar mixture to sprinkle on top
- Whisk together the flour and salt in a bowl.
- Using your fingers, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the sugar and pineapple pieces.
- Beat an egg and add it to the mixture, stirring until a stiff dough forms.
- If it’s too dry, add a little milk by tablespoonfuls.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll it out to a circle about ¼ inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out 4-5 inch rounds from the dough.
- Heat a griddle pan with a little oil over medium-low heat.
- Fry the Banfora rounds until golden brown on both sides.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before dusting them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Enjoy!
