Traditional Ugandan Matooke Recipe

Matooke is a nation-wide favorite dish in Uganda. Basically it is mashed, spiced and seasoned plantains, sometimes with some kind of meat or fish included. Usually, though, the meat is curried and served on the side. Either way, a nice hot bowl of Ugandan Matooke, served with some freshly cooked rice, is a real taste treat.

(Photo Attributed to Author: Kalungi Nathan)

Traditional Ugandan Matooke Recipe-

Ingredients:

8 to 10 fresh plantains
juice of one large lemon
1 medium-sized white or yellow onion, peeled and rough chopped
2 large, or 3 medium-sized tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and rough chopped (Note: you can also use canned whole tomatoes, drained, and rough chopped)
1 yellow sweet bell pepper, cored, seeded, and rough chopped
4 or 5 large cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 Scotch bonnet chili pepper, chopped fine
salt, to taste
ground coriander, to taste
1 cup beef broth or 1 cup lamb broth (my personal favorite!)
palm oil

Directions:

Peel your plantains, and then crosscut them into small chunks; sprinkle liberally with the lemon juice, and then set aside for now.
In a large skillet over medium flame, heat 2 or 3 tablespoons of the palm oil.
Fry the tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, Scotch bonnet hot pepper, onion, and garlic together, stirring. Add spices to taste, and then add and stir in the broth. Continue to cook, stirring. until the broth is starting to boil.
Reduce heat to just a lively simmer. Add in the plantain chunks. Cover the skillet and gently cook until the plantains are very soft.
Using a potato masher, mash the plantains, then stir everything together well.
Serve your Ugandan Matooke right away, while nice and hot, with a side of freshly cooked rice.

Note: for many more delicious, traditional and authentic dishes from Africa, click here.