Cartola

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 2 portions

• Country of Origin: Brazil

Description

Cartola is a traditional dessert from Pernambuco, Brazil, featuring fried bananas topped with melted Queijo do Norte (or Queijo Coalho), dusted heavily with cinnamon sugar.

Presentation

Serve hot on small dessert plates immediately after assembling while cheese remains melted and stretchy.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas (cut in half lengthwise)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 6 oz (170 g) Queijo Coalho or Halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions

• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Fry banana halves for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized; transfer to serving plates.

• Melt remaining tablespoon of butter in same skillet over medium heat.

• Fry cheese slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and softened.

• Place melted cheese directly over fried bananas on serving plates.

• Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle liberally over hot cheese and bananas before serving.

Optional Variations

• Salgado-Doce Cartola: Add a pinch of sea salt flakes to the cinnamon sugar for sweet-salty contrast.

• Mozzarella Cartola: Use low-moisture block mozzarella if Queijo Coalho is unavailable.

Cooking Tips

• Use firm, ripe bananas that hold their shape during frying.

• Queijo Coalho or Halloumi works best because it browns beautifully without losing structural integrity completely.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 46 g

• Protein: 14 g

• Fat: 17 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Sodium: 320 mg