Matoke is a common East African delicacy that is very healthy and easy to make.
Matoke translates to cooked unripe green bananas and is originally from the Kisii community of Kenya.
It can be served with or without beef stew or enjoyed on its own.
Despite people assuming that plantains are the only types of bananas that can be used for preparing matoke, other types of bananas can also be used, especially if they are not yet ripe.
Note: Smear oil on your palms before you start peeing the bananas. In the event of there being sticky substances left on your palms after pealing the bananas, rubbing your hands on some nylon paper will help clean it out.
The meal usually takes about 1 hour to prepare.
This recipe serves 2/3 people.
Ingredients
- 10 unripe green bananas
- 500 g beef, chopped or minced (optional)
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- dhania
- salt to taste
- curry powder
- cumin seeds
- cooking oil
Preparation
- Peel the green bananas and soak them in cold water.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and dice the onions into semi-circles
- Heat oil in a saucepan and add 1/4 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the diced onions to the pan followed by the tomatoes, curry powder, and a little salt.
- Boil the bananas (whole) in salty water for 5 mins to let them absorb the salt evenly.
- Drain them then add the bananas to the cooking pan. Mix well and add water till the bananas are covered.
- Bring the meal to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until bananas are tender and the sauce has thickened. (Do not let the bananas overcook and get all mushy)
- Switch off the heat
Serve the meal and garnish with fresh coriander.
You can add avocado to your meal for extra flavour or serve it with steamed greens.
Enjoy.
