We promise the cookies tasted better they they look in this picture. Seasoned host Chef Plum is more of a savory cook than a passionate baker, but he became inspired to use green banana flour while researching an episode of Seasoned about foods we might be eating in the future. Green banana flour is a staple in Jamaica, parts of Africa, and in some Central American countries. Chef Plum discovered it online and bought a bag on Amazon.
Since he was experimenting with a cookie recipe and wanted to judge the banana flour on its merits, he used no additional flours, and baked the cookies at a range of times to see which baking time produced the best cookie. Cookies that baked for longer than 12 minutes were too crisp and very thin. Cookies that baked for shorter than 10 minutes were thick and looked somewhat deflated. The time between was a sweet spot for flavor and texture.
The flour was a hit. There was a subtle banana taste to the cookies that reminded Chef Plum of banana bread. The cookies would likely be great with nuts.
Experimentation is ongoing! Next, Chef Plum will the use banana flour in a roux to thicken a sauce or soup. Though generally not a fan of alternative flours because of their grittiness and sometimes off flavors, green banana flour has won a dedicated spot in Chef Plum’s pantry.
Chef Plum’s Green Banana Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 ounces green banana flour
- .01 ounces baking soda
- Pinch salt
- 3.6 ounces butter (room temp is best)
- 1.6 ounces brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4.0 ounces granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350˚F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment until fluffy.
- Mix the eggs into the fluffy butter mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients and the butter mixture and then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Make 1/2 oz balls of cookie dough and place on a sheet pan about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool and serve.