Es Pisang Ijo: A Refreshing and Colorful Indonesian Dessert Drink

 

Es Pisang Ijo: A Refreshing and Colorful Indonesian Dessert Drink

Es Pisang Ijo is a traditional Indonesian dessert drink that combines banana with green dough, creating a unique and vibrant dish that is both sweet and refreshing. The name "Es Pisang Ijo" literally translates to "green banana ice," referring to the combination of steamed bananas wrapped in a green-colored dough and served with sweet coconut milk, syrup, and crushed ice. This dessert is particularly popular in South Sulawesi and other parts of Indonesia, offering a delicious way to enjoy fresh bananas with a burst of color and flavor.

What is Es Pisang Ijo?

Es Pisang Ijo consists of two main components: bananas and green dough. The bananas used in this dish are typically steamed until soft, then wrapped in a special green dough made from rice flour, pandan extract, and sometimes a bit of food coloring. This gives the dish its vibrant green appearance.

The dish is then served chilled, topped with a generous amount of sweet coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and crushed ice. The combination of the soft, sweet banana, the chewy dough, and the creamy, sweet toppings makes Es Pisang Ijo a beloved treat.

The Health Benefits of Es Pisang Ijo

While Es Pisang Ijo is mostly enjoyed as a sweet indulgence, it does offer some health benefits due to its main ingredients:

  1. Rich in Potassium: Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining proper muscle and nerve function, as well as promoting heart health.

  2. Good Source of Energy: Bananas provide a natural source of carbohydrates that can help boost energy levels. The combination of bananas and rice flour dough gives the dessert an energy-boosting effect.

  3. Antioxidant Properties: The use of pandan extract in the dough adds antioxidants to the dish, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.

  4. Coconut Milk for Healthy Fats: The coconut milk used in Es Pisang Ijo provides healthy fats, which are good for supporting brain function and overall well-being.

  5. Digestive Aid: The bananas in Es Pisang Ijo contain fiber, which helps improve digestion and regulate bowel movements.

How to Make Es Pisang Ijo

Making Es Pisang Ijo at home is a fun and simple process. Here’s a basic recipe to help you prepare this delightful Indonesian dessert:

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas (preferably the smaller type, like cavendish or pisang raja)
  • 200g rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon pandan extract (for the green color and aroma)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 100g palm sugar (or brown sugar), melted
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Water (for boiling)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Green Dough: In a bowl, mix the rice flour with sugar, salt, and pandan extract. Add a little water and knead until you get a smooth, slightly elastic dough. The dough should be firm but pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more rice flour until it’s manageable.

  2. Steam the Bananas: Steam the bananas for about 10-15 minutes until they become soft and tender. You can leave the skin on or peel them, depending on your preference.

  3. Wrap the Bananas in Dough: Once the bananas are steamed, take small portions of the green dough and gently wrap them around the bananas, ensuring that they are fully covered. The dough should be thin enough to let the banana shape remain visible.

  4. Steam the Wrapped Bananas: After wrapping the bananas, steam them for another 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes firm and fully cooked. Remove from the steamer and allow to cool slightly.

  5. Prepare the Coconut Milk and Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess, if desired. In a separate pan, melt the palm sugar with a little water to create a syrup.

  6. Assemble the Es Pisang Ijo: In a serving glass, place the steamed bananas wrapped in green dough. Pour over the coconut milk mixture and drizzle with the palm sugar syrup. Top with crushed ice to chill the dessert.

  7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Es Pisang Ijo is now ready to be served! Stir the dessert to mix the sweet coconut milk and syrup with the banana and dough, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures.

Why is Es Pisang Ijo So Popular?

Es Pisang Ijo has earned its place as one of the most popular desserts in Indonesia for several reasons:

  • Refreshing and Sweet: The cool, creamy coconut milk paired with the sweet bananas and chewy green dough makes Es Pisang Ijo a delightful and satisfying dessert.

  • Colorful and Eye-Catching: The bright green dough wrapped around the bananas makes this dish visually striking, which is part of its appeal. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

  • Cultural Heritage: Es Pisang Ijo is a beloved traditional dish in South Sulawesi, especially in Makassar, where it has been enjoyed for generations. The dessert is often served at family gatherings, festivals, or as a refreshing street food snack.

  • Customizable: While the classic version of Es Pisang Ijo consists of bananas wrapped in green dough, the toppings and ingredients can be adjusted to personal taste. Some people like to add more sweeteners or substitute the palm sugar for other types of sugar.

Es Pisang Ijo Around Indonesia

While Es Pisang Ijo originated in Makassar, South Sulawesi, it has gained popularity throughout Indonesia, especially in cities and towns where street food culture thrives. It can be found at traditional markets, street stalls, and cafes that offer a variety of sweet treats. As a refreshing dessert, it is often served in the hot afternoon or as a late-night snack.

In recent years, Es Pisang Ijo has become an iconic part of Indonesian food culture, not only in its birthplace but also across the country. Many modern cafes have also embraced the dish, offering creative twists on the traditional recipe.

Why You Should Try Es Pisang Ijo

If you are looking for a refreshing, sweet, and visually stunning dessert, Es Pisang Ijo is an excellent choice. The combination of soft bananas, chewy dough, sweet coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup makes this dessert both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, the green dough adds a playful element to the dish, making it an enjoyable treat for both children and adults.

Whether you’re visiting Indonesia or making it at home, Es Pisang Ijo offers a taste of Indonesian heritage and a fun, colorful way to indulge in a sweet and refreshing treat.

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