Banana Brownie

Banana brownie is a quick and simple dessert, perfect for bringing a touch of joy to every day. This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert that you will enjoy with every bite. Moreover, it is an excellent way to use ripe bananas, transforming them into an unforgettable treat.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (ideally with slightly brown skin for a more intense flavor)
- 3 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 150 g sugar (preferably brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower oil or coconut oil works great)
- 150 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder (good quality cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla essence (optional, but recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the base mixture: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray (about 20x30 cm) with butter or line it with baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the brownie from sticking.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that there are no traces of yolk in the whites, as they need to be whipped well to give the brownie a fluffy texture.

3. Preparing the sweet mayonnaise: In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture. Gradually add the oil while constantly mixing to form a fine emulsion, similar to a sweet mayonnaise.

4. Adding the bananas: Mash the bananas with a fork or a blender until you have a smooth puree. Incorporate this puree into the yolk mixture and mix well. If using vanilla essence, now is the time to add it.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will ensure a uniform and airy texture. Sifting them is recommended to avoid lumps.

6. Incorporating the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could develop gluten from the flour, leading to a denser brownie.

7. Whipping the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Then, gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This step will make the brownie fluffier and airier.

8. Finalizing the mixture: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate and banana mixture, using light folding motions to preserve the air in the whites.

9. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

10. Cooling and serving: Let the brownie cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions: Serve the brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with freshly whipped cream for a delicious contrast. You can also add nuts or caramelized hazelnuts for an extra crunch.

Variations: You can experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or even white), or you can add spices like cinnamon or ginger for a more exotic flavor.

This banana brownie recipe is not only simple but also a delicious way to transform simple ingredients into a memorable dessert. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result!