Elegant Banana Dessert with Rosemary & Floral Honey – A Taste of Hvar
Still wondering what dessert to prepare for tomorrow evening? This simple yet sophisticated recipe, inspired by the charming Dalmatino restaurant on Hvar Island, is a perfect choice. It balances the sweetness of banana and honey with the fresh aroma of rosemary and citrus, finished with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream and a subtle hint of black pepper.
🕒 Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Difficulty: Easy
📝 Ingredients
- 1 small banana
- 10 g butter
- 1 small sprig fresh rosemary (about 5 cm)
- 1 tsp floral honey (like linden, acacia, or orange blossom)
- Zest of ½ small lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
To Serve:
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sauce:
In a small skillet (16 cm diameter for 1 serving), melt butter over low heat. Add lemon zest, honey, and rosemary. Stir gently. - Add orange juice and thicken:
Pour in the orange juice and increase heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and leaves visible streaks when you drag a wooden spoon through it (about 1–2 minutes). - Caramelize the bananas:
Add banana pieces cut lengthwise and stir quickly to coat them evenly in the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat immediately—bananas should be warmed, not cooked through. - Plate and garnish:
Remove the rosemary sprig. Arrange bananas with sauce on a serving plate or bowl. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and finish with a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and softness.
- Substitute floral honey with your favorite local honey for a personalized twist.
- For a vegan version, swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free ice cream.
- Try adding a few toasted nuts for crunch or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
- Scale up the recipe easily by increasing ingredient quantities and using a larger pan.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This dessert is a delightful way to impress with minimal effort—combining fragrant herbs, bright citrus, and creamy ice cream to create an unforgettable flavor harmony. Inspired by the Dalmatian coast’s fresh and vibrant cuisine, it’s the perfect sweet finale for an elegant dinner or a cozy night in.