Mom’s Gulgula (Banana fritters)

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, about 1 cup mashed
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or mixed essence
• 3/4 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon yeast, optional
• handful raisins
• 8 maraschino cherries, each chopped into 4 small pieces(optional)
• oil for frying
• Swap out banana for 1 cup/8oz pumpkin purée

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash...: In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash bananas until slightly smooth.

2. 2

   Add sugar, spices, and vanilla extract, mix in...: Add sugar, spices, and vanilla extract, mix in well; set aside.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, sift flour and baking...: In a separate bowl, sift flour and baking powder together. If using yeast, add it here.

4. 4

   Stir flour mixture into banana mixture until you...: Stir flour mixture into banana mixture until you no longer see any specks of flour. The batter should be a little thicker than pancake batter and be able to slightly hold its shape when dropped into the oil. Fold in desired amount of raisins or chopped maraschino cherries. Let mixture rest for 20-25 minutes.

5. 5

   Heat a deep pot with enough oil to...: Heat a deep pot with enough oil to fry gulgula. If using a thermometer it should read 340-350 degrees F.

6. 6

   Use two small spoons or a teaspoon-sized cookie...: Use two small spoons or a teaspoon-sized cookie scooop to drop into the hot oil. Scoop up some batter with one spoon and use the other to shape the batter into a ball before dropping it into the oil. Turn frequently to ensure even browning. Fry until dark golden brown.

7. 7

   Remove gulgulas from oil and place in a...: Remove gulgulas from oil and place in a bowl lined with paper towels.

8. 8

   Ripe, speckled bananas work best for this recipe....: Ripe, speckled bananas work best for this recipe. The more speckled, the sweeter the banana.

9. 9

   Do a taste test by frying one gulgula...: Do a taste test by frying one gulgula first before frying up the entire bowl of batter so you can check to see if there is enough sugar and spices to suit your palate.

10. 10

    Yeast is not necessary, but helps to give...: Yeast is not necessary, but helps to give the gulgula a lift. I recommend using yeast if making the pumpkin version because it provides a nice airy texture.

11. 11

    I find 1/4 cup flour per banana is...: I find 1/4 cup flour per banana is the perfect amount. Batter should be slightly thicker than cake or pancake batter and should be able to slightly hold its shape when dropped into the oil. If this does not happen, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time until consistency is reached.