Delicious and Authentic Es Pisang Ijo Recipe from South Sulawesi

Ingredients

10 ripe bananas
200 grams of rice flour
1 liter of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of pandan essence
1 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
200 grams of mung bean flour
2 drops of green food color
Ice cubes

Steps and instructions

Peel the bananas and set them aside.
In a bowl, mix the rice flour, half of the coconut milk, pandan essence, and green food color. Stir until it becomes a smooth batter.
Dip each banana into the batter, ensuring it is fully covered.
Wrap each battered banana in aluminum foil and steam for about 30 minutes. Once done, let it cool and refrigerate.
While waiting for the bananas to cool, prepare the sauce by combining the remaining coconut milk, sugar, salt, and water in a pan over medium heat.
Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
In a separate bowl, mix the mung bean flour with a little water to make a paste. Slowly add this to the heated coconut milk mixture while stirring continuously.
Continue to cook until the mixture thickens to a sauce consistency.
Let the sauce cool down, then refrigerate.
To serve, place a chilled banana on a serving dish, pour over the sauce, and add some ice cubes.

Tools for making

Steamer - This will be used to steam the bananas wrapped in aluminum foil.
Mixing Bowl - A bowl will be needed to mix the rice flour batter and other ingredients.
Pan - A pan will be used to cook the coconut milk sauce.
Whisk or Spoon - You will need either a whisk or a spoon to stir the ingredients while cooking.
Aluminum Foil - Aluminum foil will be used to wrap the bananas before steaming them.
Refrigerator - The recipe requires chilling the bananas and sauce, so a refrigerator is necessary.

Recipe variations

Use glutinous rice flour instead of rice flour for a stickier texture.
Replace the pandan essence with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Add a tablespoon of grated coconut or coconut flakes to the batter for extra texture.
Try using different types of bananas, such as plantains or red bananas, for a unique taste.
Make a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the batter.
Instead of steaming, you can deep fry the battered bananas for a crispy exterior.
For a healthier option, bake the bananas in the oven instead of deep frying or steaming.
Add chopped nuts, such as roasted peanuts or almonds, to the sauce for added crunch.
Make it vegan-friendly by using a plant-based milk substitute, such as coconut milk or almond milk, instead of regular milk.
Experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or condensed milk.

Recipe overview

Es Pisang Ijo, or Green Banana Ice, is a sweet and refreshing dessert from Makassar, Indonesia. It features ripe bananas wrapped in a green-colored batter made from rice flour and pandan essence, served chilled with a sweet coconut milk sauce and ice cubes. The bananas are steamed until tender and the coconut sauce is delicately sweet, making it a perfect balance of flavors. This dessert requires some time to prepare as both the bananas and the sauce need to be refrigerated before serving, but the result is undeniably worth the wait. Expect a unique, tropical dessert that's sure to impress at your next gathering.

Common questions

Can I use ripe plantains instead of bananas? - Yes, you can substitute ripe plantains for bananas in this recipe.
Can I use regular flour instead of rice flour? - Rice flour gives Es Pisang Ijo a unique texture, but if you don't have rice flour, you can use regular flour as a substitute.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk? - Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for coconut milk, but the consistency of the sauce may be richer and thicker.
Can I omit the pandan essence? - Yes, if you don't have pandan essence, you can omit it. However, pandan essence adds a distinct aroma and flavor to the dessert.
Can I use a different food color? - Yes, you can use a different food color of your preference or omit it altogether if you prefer a natural green color from pandan essence.
How long can I refrigerate the bananas and sauce? - You can refrigerate the bananas and sauce for up to 2 days. However, it is best to consume them within 24 hours for the freshest taste.
Can I serve Es Pisang Ijo without ice cubes? - Yes, you can serve it without ice cubes if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

Steamer - A steamer is needed to steam the bananas until they are cooked and tender.
Aluminum Foil - Aluminum foil is used to wrap the battered bananas before steaming, ensuring they stay intact and cook evenly.
Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is necessary to combine the rice flour, coconut milk, pandan essence, and green food color to create the batter.
Pan - A pan is used to cook the coconut milk sauce for the recipe.
Whisk or Spoon - A whisk or spoon is used to stir the batter and the coconut milk sauce to ensure they are well mixed and smooth.
Serving Dish - A serving dish is needed to present the chilled bananas and sauce.
Ice Cube Tray - An ice cube tray is used to freeze ice cubes that can be added to the dessert for extra refreshment.

Origin stories

Es Pisang Ijo, or "Green Banana Ice", originates from the Buginese and Makassarese ethnic groups of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This unique dessert is an integral part of the culinary heritage of Makassar city, and it is commonly served during the month of Ramadan or at special events. The 'green' in its name comes from the green batter made of rice flour and pandan essence used to wrap the bananas. Indeed, the pandan plant itself is highly valued across Southeast Asia for its unique aroma and is often referred to as the 'vanilla of the East'. The dessert's sweet, creamy, and fresh taste makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. While the traditional version uses ripe bananas, variations of the dish may feature different types of fruit or even colorful jellies, showcasing the creativity and rich diversity of Indonesian cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.