Description
A deeply satisfying one-pot meal, matoke steamed plantain stew is the national dish of Uganda, featuring firm green plantains simmered in a spiced beef broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large green plantains, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon curry powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne or red chili (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and prep the plantains by scoring the skin and cutting into chunks.
- Brown the beef in oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, then set it aside.
- Build the base by cooking the onion and bell pepper, then adding garlic, ginger, and spices.
- Simmer the stew with the browned beef and broth until combined.
- Add the plantains, cover, and cook until tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving with cilantro.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, brown the meat first. Stew improves after a day in the fridge. Optional peanut butter can be stirred in during the final minutes for a creamy variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Ugandan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg