This is one of the delicious desserts served on the tropical island of Reunion, a French ‘departement’ east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and 200km south-west of Mauritius.  It makes good use of a number of local ingredients: bananas, vanilla, sugar and rum.

Peel the bananas and slice in half lengthways.  Melt the butter in a frying pan or chafing dish. Add the vanilla pod.  Arrange the bananas in the pan.  Pour in the lime juice and add the sugar.  Cook over medium high heat, turning the bananas occasionally, until lightly browned.
In a small saucepan, heat the rum, pour over the bananas and set ablaze.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or cream.