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Ugandan matoke stew with tender green banana, beef, tomato, and onion.

Ugandan Matoke with Beef

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A hearty Ugandan stew of green cooking bananas, tender beef, tomato, onion, ginger, and mild spices.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Ugandan
Calories: 545
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Matoke Stew
  • 1 1/2 lb beef chuck cut into irregular 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 large yellow onions diced
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • 12 medium green East African cooking bananas peeled and cut into large pieces
  • 2 tsp fine salt divided
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh coriander roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven with lid
  • Large bowl of water
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Brown the Beef:
  1. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven and brown the beef in batches, then set it aside.
  2. Cook the onions for 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin; cook for 6 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Braise:
  1. Return the beef and add 2 cups stock. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes until the beef begins to tenderize.
  2. Add the green banana pieces, remaining stock, and remaining salt. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the pieces gently once, until the bananas are tender and the beef is soft.
Finish:
  1. Mash two or three banana pieces against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce. Fold them back in gently, adjust seasoning, and finish with coriander.

Nutrition

Calories: 545kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 31gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 730mgFiber: 8gSugar: 30g

Notes

  • Green East African cooking bananas are starchier and less sweet than dessert bananas; green plantains are the closest substitute.
  • Avoid vigorous stirring after adding the bananas so the pieces remain distinct.