When you hear “Matoke,” do you imagine a tropical feast or a culinary masterpiece? Well, you should! Matoke, also known as “banana stew,” is not your everyday banana recipe. Originating from Uganda but widely enjoyed in Kenya and across East Africa, this dish is a national treasure. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, Matoke has earned its spot as a staple food, gracing Kenyan plates at weddings, family dinners, and even roadside eateries.
Now, imagine pairing it with luscious, nutty groundnut sauce—sounds heavenly, right? Before we dive in, let me just say: If you’ve never cooked Matoke before, Don’t worry! Even a beginner can nail this recipe, especially with the help of an electric pressure cooker. Yes, technology meets tradition for the ultimate food fusion experience.
So, grab your apron, and let’s turn your kitchen into an East African paradise. Warning: You might not want to share after tasting this!
Matoke with Groundnut Sauce Recipe
Before we begin, let’s address the elephant in the kitchen: peeling green bananas can be sticky business. Literally. But fear not! Here’s a pro tip I learned while growing up—rub a bit of cooking oil on your hands before peeling those bananas, and you’ll avoid the sticky sap struggle. Alternatively, you can boil the bananas with their skins on after making a small incision lengthwise (just deep enough to break the skin). Once they’re cooked, peeling becomes a breeze.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this wholesome dish:
For the Matoke:
- 10–12 green bananas (unripe plantains)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for your hands or pressure cooker)
- Water (enough to cover the bananas)
For the Groundnut Sauce:
- 1 cup groundnut paste (or peanut butter, unsweetened)
- 2 cups coconut milk or water (adjust for preferred thickness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- A dash of chili powder or flakes (optional)
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish
Method of Preparation
Preparing the Matoke:
- Prep the Bananas:
- If peeling the bananas before cooking, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to your hands to avoid sticky sap. Peel the bananas and place them in a bowl of water to prevent discoloration.
- For the skin-on method, make a shallow cut lengthwise on each banana and boil them whole. Once cooked, peel easily without the mess.
- Cook the Bananas:
- In a large pot or an electric pressure cooker, place the bananas and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Cook for about 15–20 minutes until tender but not mushy. If using a pressure cooker, this process takes about 5–8 minutes on medium pressure.
- Drain and Set Aside:
- Once the bananas are cooked, drain and keep them warm. Avoid overboiling, as they can turn too mushy and lose their texture.
Preparing the Groundnut Sauce:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, turmeric, and optional chili. Cook until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
- Incorporate the Groundnut Paste:
- Reduce the heat and add the groundnut paste, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Slowly add coconut milk or water, mixing well to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste and adjust the thickness as desired by adding more liquid.
- Combine the Bananas and Sauce:
- Gently add the cooked bananas to the sauce, coating them evenly. Let the mixture cook together for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving:
Serve the Matoke with Groundnut Sauce hot, garnished with fresh coriander. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, chapati, or rice.
Personal Thoughts
Matoke with groundnut sauce is my ultimate comfort dish. There’s something magical about the blend of creamy bananas and nutty sauce—it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Using an electric pressure cooker makes it ridiculously easy, cutting down cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a meal that feels fancy but is secretly simple to make? Plus, the peanut sauce is a game-changer—it’s rich, tangy, and complements the Matoke perfectly.
So, go ahead and give this matoke with groundnut sauce recipe a try.
