📝 About This Recipe
Saging con Hielo is a nostalgic Filipino treat featuring 'Minatamis na Saging' (caramelized saba bananas) nestled under a mountain of snowy shaved ice and creamy milk. This dessert captures the essence of tropical summers in the Philippines, balancing the chewy, honey-like texture of the bananas with the refreshing chill of the ice. It is a simple yet sophisticated play on temperatures and textures that has remained a beloved street food and household staple for generations.
🥗 Ingredients
The Sweetened Bananas (Minatamis na Saging)
- 8-10 pieces Saba Bananas (ripe but firm, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1.5 cups Dark Brown Sugar (muscovado sugar is also a great authentic alternative)
- 2 cups Water (filtered)
- 1 piece Pandan Leaf (tied into a knot for aromatic depth)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure extract preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to balance the sweetness)
The Assembly
- 4-6 cups Shaved Ice (finely shaved, snow-like texture)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (chilled)
- 4 tablespoons Sweetened Condensed Milk (for extra decadence and drizzling)
Optional Toppings (Garnishes)
- 2 tablespoons Pinipig (toasted pounded young rice for crunch)
- 4 slices Leche Flan (small cubes for a premium version)
- 2 tablespoons Macapuno Strings (preserved sweetened coconut sport)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water and 1.5 cups of dark brown sugar over medium heat.
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2
Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid begins to simmer.
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3
Add the knotted pandan leaf and the salt into the syrup. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the pandan aroma to infuse the liquid.
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4
Carefully add the sliced saba bananas into the simmering syrup. Ensure the bananas are mostly submerged.
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5
Lower the heat to medium-low. Simmer the bananas for 20-25 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened into a glossy, honey-like consistency and the bananas have turned a deep amber color.
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6
Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 2 minutes of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.
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7
Remove the pot from the heat and discard the pandan leaf. Allow the sweetened bananas to cool to room temperature. For the best experience, chill the bananas in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
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8
When ready to serve, prepare your shaved ice. Use a manual ice shaver or an electric one to achieve a fine, fluffy texture.
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9
In a tall glass or a dessert bowl, place a generous portion (about 3-4 tablespoons) of the chilled sweetened bananas along with some of the thick syrup at the bottom.
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10
Pack the shaved ice on top of the bananas, filling the glass to the brim or forming a dome.
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11
Pour about 1/4 cup of evaporated milk over the ice, letting it seep down into the crevices.
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12
Drizzle a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk over the top for added sweetness and a creamy finish.
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13
Top with toasted pinipig for a traditional crunch, or a slice of leche flan if you're feeling indulgent.
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14
Serve immediately with a long spoon. Encourage your guests to mix the bottom layers with the ice to create a slushy, creamy delight.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use ripe Saba bananas; they should have yellow skins with some black spots for the best natural sweetness and texture. Don't rush the simmering process; low and slow heat allows the sugar to penetrate the core of the banana without breaking the fruit apart. If you cannot find Saba bananas, Plantains are a suitable substitute, though they may require 5-10 minutes more cooking time. For the best mouthfeel, ensure your ice is shaved very finely; chunky ice cubes will not absorb the milk and syrup as effectively. To make it extra special, toast your pinipig in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until it pops and becomes fragrant.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a savory snack like Pancit Malabon or Pancit Bihon to balance the sweetness. Serve alongside 'Turon' (banana spring rolls) for a double-dose of Filipino banana goodness. Enjoy as a mid-afternoon 'Merienda' on a hot summer day. Add a scoop of Ube (Purple Yam) ice cream on top for a 'Halo-Halo' inspired twist. Serve in chilled glassware to prevent the shaved ice from melting too quickly.