Making Jamaican Banana Fritters

Here’s a step-by-step guide with ingredients to make mouthwatering Jamaican banana fritters:

Ingredients:

• 4 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk or water (adjust as needed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/4 cup)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
   
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: Add the mashed bananas, milk or water, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix gently: Gently stir the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Rest the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
6. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7. Fry the fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, spacing them apart to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   
8. Drain and cool: Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
9. Dust with powdered sugar (optional): If desired, dust the fritters with powdered sugar before serving.

Additional tips:

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F).
• Adjust the amount of milk or water depending on the ripeness of your bananas.
• Fry fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Serve fritters warm with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Enjoy your soft, fluffy, and delicious Jamaican banana fritters!