Sautéed Bananas – A Sweet Southern Comfort Food Classic – Black Foodie Finder

A Warm and Sweet Southern Favorite

Tender, buttery, and lightly sweetened, Sautéed Bananas combine ripe bananas, orange juice, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a simple Southern-style treat. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this easy recipe works beautifully as a warm dessert or a sweet accompaniment to savory dishes.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 2 tablespoons Crisco Shortening
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 4 firm ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar

Makes: 4 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the skillet. Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the Crisco Shortening. Once melted, stir in the orange juice until combined.
2. Slice the bananas. Peel the bananas and cut each one in half crosswise. Then slice each half lengthwise to create four pieces per banana.
3. Sauté the bananas. Carefully arrange the banana pieces in the warm skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, turning each piece once halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
4. Transfer to a serving dish. Gently remove the bananas from the skillet and arrange them on a serving platter, keeping the pieces intact.
5. Add the finishing touch. Sprinkle the warm bananas evenly with confectioners’ sugar.
6. Serve immediately. Enjoy while hot as a comforting dessert or alongside veal, ham, or poultry for a sweet contrast to savory flavors.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Choose firm-ripe bananas. Bananas that are ripe but not overly soft will hold their shape better while cooking.
• Keep the heat moderate. Medium heat allows the bananas to soften without burning or falling apart.
• Add a hint of cinnamon. For a variation, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the bananas before serving.
• Try fresh orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• Make it a dessert. Serve the warm bananas over vanilla ice cream or alongside pound cake for an extra-special treat.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, a collection of treasured recipes and family food traditions.

Sautéed Bananas reflects the simplicity of Southern home cooking, transforming everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting dish.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Sautéed Bananas recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional recommendations from Black Foodie.