Tonga Toast is a tasty breakfast treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. This scrumptious dish originated from the famous Disney restaurant, Kona Cafe, located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It has gained popularity over the years and has become a favorite among breakfast lovers. If you want to learn how to make Tonga Toast and enjoy this delightful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, then keep reading!
What is Tonga Toast?
Tonga Toast is a unique twist on a classic French toast. It starts with a thick slice of sourdough bread, which is then stuffed with delicious banana slices. The bread is then dipped in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and fried until golden brown. The final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm syrup. The combination of flavors and textures in Tonga Toast creates a breakfast experience like no other.
Ingredients
– Sourdough bread:
The key to a perfect Tonga Toast is using thick slices of sourdough bread. Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor and a chewy texture to the dish.
– Ripe bananas:
You’ll need ripe bananas to stuff inside your Tonga Toast. Make sure they are not too firm or too mushy. A ripe banana will add a natural sweetness to the dish.
– Cinnamon-sugar mixture:
The cinnamon-sugar mixture is what gives Tonga Toast its signature flavor. You can easily make this mixture by combining ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
– Eggs and milk:
To create the custardy coating for the bread, you’ll need beaten eggs and milk. The eggs and milk mixture will help bind the ingredients together and give the Tonga Toast a rich and creamy texture.
– Vegetable oil:
You’ll need vegetable oil for frying the Tonga Toast. Make sure you use enough oil to fully submerge the bread slices for even cooking.
– Powdered sugar and syrup:
For the finishing touches, you’ll need powdered sugar for sprinkling over the Tonga Toast and warm syrup for drizzling. These additions add sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the bread and bananas
Start by cutting thick slices of sourdough bread, around 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Carefully slice ripe bananas lengthwise, so they fit perfectly inside the bread pockets.
Step 2: Make the cinnamon-sugar mixture
In a shallow dish, combine ground cinnamon and granulated sugar to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Mix well until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Step 3: Stuff the bread
Gently make a slit in each slice of bread to create a pocket. Stuff each pocket with the sliced bananas, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Dip and coat
In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and milk until well combined. Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg and milk mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Then, transfer the bread to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it thoroughly.
Step 5: Fry the Tonga Toast
Place the coated bread slices into the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Make sure to fry them in batches, not overcrowding the pan. This will ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once the Tonga Toast is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Dust the tops with powdered sugar and serve immediately with warm syrup on the side.
Variations and Tips
– If you want to add a little extra flavor to your Tonga Toast, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or pecans, over the powdered sugar.
– For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat bread instead of sourdough and replace the cinnamon-sugar mixture with a sprinkle of ground flaxseed and honey.
– To make Tonga Toast ahead of time for busy mornings, you can freeze the assembled and coated bread slices until you’re ready to fry them. Just make sure to thaw them completely before frying.
– Don’t forget to serve Tonga Toast with your favorite breakfast sides, such as crispy bacon or fresh fruit, to complete the meal.
Now that you know how to make Tonga Toast, give it a try and experience the sweet and savory flavors for yourself. This breakfast delight is perfect for special occasions or treating yourself and your loved ones to a delicious morning meal. Enjoy the crispy exterior, the gooey banana filling, and the warm syrup all in one bite. Get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering treat that will leave you craving more!