Grilled Bananas

Grilled Bananas: A Quick and Delicious Dessert

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Who would have thought that bananas could become such an impressive dessert with so little effort? This simple grilled banana recipe is perfect for a summer evening, bringing a touch of flavor and aroma, thanks to the combination of sugar, rum essence, and crunchy nuts. Whether you serve them as a quick dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat during a party, caramelized grilled bananas are sure to win everyone's hearts.

Ingredients:
- 4 ripe but firm bananas
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of rum essence
- 2 tablespoons of brandy (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor boost)
- 4 tablespoons of crushed nuts or walnuts (hazelnuts or pecans are excellent)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas to avoid them falling apart on the grill. The skin should be yellow with some brown spots, indicating optimal sweetness.

2. Preheating the grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Make sure the grill is clean and lightly oiled to prevent the bananas from sticking.

3. Creating the slit: Use a sharp knife to peel a thick strip of skin from the top of each banana. This will allow the sugar to caramelize better, enriching the dessert's flavor.

4. Preparing the flavor mix: In a small bowl, mix the sugar with the rum essence and brandy. This mixture will be poured over the bananas during cooking, adding a touch of sophistication.

5. Grilling the bananas: Place the bananas on the grill, cut side up. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side until the skin turns brown and beautiful grill marks form on the banana. Remember to turn them carefully to avoid breaking.

6. Finishing the dish: Once the bananas are ready, remove them from the grill and pour the sugar and rum mixture over them, allowing it to melt and soak into the bananas.

7. Serving: Sprinkle the crushed nuts on top of the warm bananas. You can serve them as they are or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer more intense flavors, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the sugar mixture.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or pineapple, for a tropical twist on this dessert.
- Make sure the bananas are at room temperature before placing them on the grill to avoid thermal shock.

This grilled banana recipe is not only simple but also adaptable. So, feel free to put your personal touch on it! Enjoy this quick and delicious dessert with your loved ones, and savor every caramelized bite!