About this dish
Uganda's beloved steamed green banana mash, wrapped and cooked in banana leaves.
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History & Origin
Matoke is considered Uganda's national dish, the green bananas steamed for hours in their own leaves until they mash into a smooth, savory staple.
Ingredients
🍌Green unripe bananas (matoke), 10-12 peeled
🧅Medium onion, 1 roughly chopped
🍅Ripe tomatoes, 3 roughly chopped
🌿Fresh banana leaves, enough to wrap and line the pot
🫒Vegetable oil or groundnut oil, 3 tablespoons
🧄Garlic cloves, 3 minced
🌶️Fresh green chilli, 1 optional, whole
🧂Salt, 1 teaspoon or to taste
💧Water, 1 cup
Method
Serves 21
Prepare your banana leaves by passing them briefly over an open flame or dipping in boiling water for a few seconds until they soften and turn a deeper green — this makes them pliable and prevents splitting when folding.2
Peel the green bananas carefully using a knife, as the raw starch can stain your hands, so rubbing a little oil on your palms beforehand helps. Rinse the peeled bananas in cold water and set aside whole.3
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to break down into a rough sauce.4
Line the bottom and sides of the pot generously with banana leaves, letting them drape over the edges. Layer the whole peeled bananas inside, nestled together, tuck in the whole chilli if using, and pour the tomato and onion mixture over the top.5
Fold the overhanging banana leaves over the top to seal everything in like a parcel, trapping the steam inside. Pour the cup of water around the edges of the leaves into the pot, then cover with a tight-fitting lid.6
Cook on a low to medium heat for 45-60 minutes, checking occasionally that there is still some steam and liquid — add a splash more water if needed to prevent burning. The bananas are ready when they are completely soft and can be easily mashed.7
Remove the banana leaf parcel carefully and mash the cooked bananas together with the tomato sauce inside the leaves using a wooden spoon or the back of a fork until you have a thick, smooth mash. Taste, adjust salt, and serve hot wrapped in the leaves alongside stewed beans, chicken, or groundnut stew.User Reviews
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