Matoke With Beans is a popular dish in East African cuisine, particularly in Uganda. It combines two staple ingredients: matoke—a type of banana—and beans, typically kidney beans or black-eyed peas. The dish is hearty, nutritious, and often enjoyed as a main course.
Start to finish: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 green plantains or bananas, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish
In a pot over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion until it is translucent and soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, ginger and cumin. Stir for a minute or two until spices are fragrant. Add the bananas, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable stock and chili flakes. Salt to taste.
Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the bananas are tender.
Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
