One of Spa Director, Lina Lotto's favourite recipes.

This yummy Thai vegan dish is easy to make and not easily forgotten. I clearly remember the first time I tasted Kluay Buat Chii I was impressed by the depth of flavour and its simplicity. Of course there are many more banana varieties in Thailand that are tastier and texturally more interesting than the bland Cavendish variety singularly sold in the UK, but it does work with British bought bananas too.

I have used this recipe many times as a dessert when friends pop in for an impromptu meal as there is always a can of coconut milk in the store cupboard and usually a banana or two. In fact there are only four ingredients – banana, coconut milk, sugar and salt. The art is in balancing the sugar and salt.

The concept of dessert does not exist in Thailand. Sweet foods are generally eaten as a snack, so you are most likely to see Kluay Buat Chii sold in the late afternoon or evening by street vendors, packaged up in a plastic bag and cunningly sealed with an elastic band that is released with a gentle pull.

If you make this as a dessert at home, try sprinkling a few toasted sesame seeds on top. They work beautifully.

Our chefs in the Zen Garden restaurant make Kluay Buat Chii and here is their recipe for 4 people:

• 4 Banana
• 200 ml Coconut Milk
• 100 gr Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt

Slice the bananas in half then slice the halves lengthways. Add them to the coconut milk and gently bring to the boil. Cook until the bananas are soft but not so soft that they fall apart. Take off the boil, add the sugar and salt, stir and serve with toasted sesame seeds if you wish. For a creamier texture add some coconut cream after the sugar and salt and stir in. Served hot, warm or cool this is always wonderfully delicious.

Experience the delicious taste of Kluay Buat Chii at our Thai restaurant in the New Forest. The Zen Garden restaurant has plenty of vegan dishes on the menu. Call 01590 623551 to book a table or...

BOOK ONLINE