Turon Triangles: A Caramelized Banana Twist on a Classic Filipino Dessert
Turon, the beloved Filipino snack, gets a geometric upgrade! Forget the usual cylindrical shape; we’re diving into Turon Triangles – a delightful twist on the classic caramelized banana spring rolls. This recipe elevates the humble turon, offering a satisfying crunch, a gooey, sweet filling, and an eye-catching presentation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make yet sophisticated dessert!
What is Turon?
For the uninitiated, turon is a popular Filipino snack made of sliced saba bananas (a type of short, stubby banana common in the Philippines) and jackfruit, rolled in spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers), and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The sugar coating caramelizes during frying, creating a delicious, sweet shell. Turon is often sold by street vendors and is a staple at parties and gatherings.
Why Turon Triangles?
While traditional turon is delicious, these Turon Triangles offer several advantages:
* Enhanced Crunch: The triangular shape provides more surface area, resulting in a crispier exterior with every bite.
* Even Caramelization: The flat sides allow for more even browning and caramelization of the sugar.
* Elegant Presentation: The triangle shape adds a touch of elegance and makes them perfect for serving at parties or special occasions.
* Fun Variation: It’s a simple way to add a new dimension to a well-loved classic.
Ingredients for Turon Triangles
Here’s what you’ll need to make approximately 12 Turon Triangles:
* 12 Saba Bananas: These are essential for the authentic turon flavor. If you can’t find saba bananas, you can substitute with plantains, but be aware that the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm.
* 1/2 cup Jackfruit: Canned jackfruit in syrup, drained and rinsed, works perfectly. Make sure to remove the seeds from the jackfruit. Fresh jackfruit is also an option if you can find it, but it requires more preparation.
* 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the bananas. You can substitute with white sugar, but the caramelization will be less intense.
* 12 Spring Roll Wrappers (Lumpia Wrappers): These thin wrappers are crucial for the crispy texture of the turon. Look for them in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores. Make sure they are fresh and not dried out.
* 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil: For frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, or corn oil.
* Optional:
* 1/4 cup Langka (Sweetened Jackfruit): Adds a boost of authentic Filipino flavor.
* 1/4 cup Cheese (Cheddar or Cream Cheese): Adds a salty and creamy contrast to the sweetness. Cut into small strips.
* 1/4 cup Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam): Adds a vibrant color and unique flavor.
* A small bowl of water: to seal the wrappers.
Equipment
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Shallow dish for sugar
* Large skillet or wok
* Tongs or slotted spoon
* Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create perfect Turon Triangles:
**1. Prepare the Bananas:**
* Peel the saba bananas and cut them in half lengthwise.
* Then, cut each half crosswise into two or three pieces, depending on the size of the banana. You should end up with pieces that are roughly 2-3 inches long.
**2. Prepare the Jackfruit:**
* If using canned jackfruit, drain it well and rinse it under cold water to remove excess syrup.
* Remove any seeds from the jackfruit and shred it into thin strips.
**3. Set up Your Workstation:**
* Lay out a spring roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
* Place the bowl of water within easy reach.
**4. Assemble the Turon Triangles:**
* Place 2-3 pieces of banana in the center of the wrapper, forming a line.
* Add a few strips of jackfruit on top of the bananas. If using cheese, langka or ube halaya, add them now.
* Folding Technique (the most crucial step):
* Fold one corner of the wrapper over the banana and jackfruit, forming a triangle.
* Fold the adjacent corner over, creating another side of the triangle.
* Continue folding, keeping the triangle shape intact, until you reach the end of the wrapper.
* Dab a little water on the final corner to seal the wrapper tightly. This is essential to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
**5. Caramelize the Turon:**
* In a shallow dish, spread the brown sugar evenly.
* Gently roll each Turon Triangle in the brown sugar, ensuring that all sides are coated.
**6. Fry the Turon:**
* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small piece of wrapper is dropped in.
* Carefully place the Turon Triangles in the hot oil, seam-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
* Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
**7. Remove and Drain:**
* Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the Turon Triangles from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**8. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the Turon Triangles immediately while they are still warm and crispy. The caramelized sugar will be at its best right after frying.
* Optional: Drizzle with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips for Perfect Turon Triangles
* Don’t overfill the wrappers: Overfilling will make them difficult to fold and may cause them to burst open during frying.
* Seal the wrappers tightly: Use a little water to seal the edges of the wrappers to prevent the filling from leaking out.
* Use fresh spring roll wrappers: Stale wrappers will be brittle and difficult to work with.
* Maintain the oil temperature: The oil should be hot enough to fry the turon quickly without burning it. If the oil is not hot enough, the turon will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
* Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in uneven frying.
* Serve immediately: Turon is best enjoyed hot and crispy.
Variations and Additions
* Cheese Turon: Add a strip of cheddar or cream cheese along with the banana and jackfruit for a salty and creamy contrast.
* Ube Turon: Incorporate a spoonful of ube halaya (purple yam jam) for a vibrant color and unique flavor.
* Langka Turon: Add sweetened jackfruit (langka) for an extra boost of Filipino flavor.
* Chocolate Turon: Drizzle with chocolate syrup after frying.
* Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
* Peanut Butter Turon: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the wrapper before adding the banana and jackfruit.
* Nutella Turon: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
* Turon with Ice Cream: Serve warm Turon Triangles with a scoop of vanilla or mango ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Turon Triangles are perfect as:
* A quick and easy snack
* A dessert for parties and gatherings
* A sweet treat after a meal
* A pasalubong (Filipino souvenir or gift)
Storage Instructions
Turon is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispness.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 8-12g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Protein: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size.)
Turon Triangles: A Sweet Ending
Turon Triangles are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic Filipino snack. With their crispy exterior, sweet caramelized filling, and elegant presentation, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to indulge in this delightful treat! This recipe is easily adaptable, allowing you to create your own unique variations. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to find your perfect Turon Triangle creation. Happy cooking (and eating)!
Enjoy your homemade Turon Triangles! They are a delightful treat to share with family and friends, bringing a taste of Filipino warmth and sweetness to any occasion. From simple afternoon snacks to celebratory desserts, these caramelized banana delights are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to this classic recipe. After all, the best recipes are those that are made with love and shared with joy!
Why not try adding a scoop of ice cream on top for a truly decadent dessert? Or perhaps a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch of sweetness? The possibilities are endless! So, go ahead and unleash your inner chef and create the perfect Turon Triangles that will have everyone asking for more. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of caramelized bananas!