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Matoke (Plantain Stew)

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time55 mins

A comforting hearty East African stew perfect for family meals.

Plate of Ugandan matoke

Main Ingredients
 8 green plantains (matoke), peeled and cut into chunks
 1 lb (450 g) beef (stew cuts) or chicken pieces (bone-in preferred)
 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
 1 large onion, finely chopped
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1 inch piece ginger, grated
 1 fresh chili (optional), chopped
 1 red bell pepper, diced
 2 medium carrots, chopped
 1 cup beef or chicken stock
 ½ cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
 3 tbsp vegetable oil or palm oil
 1 tsp curry powder (optional)
 ½ tsp turmeric powder
 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
 Salt, to taste
 Black pepper, to taste
 Fresh cilantro (dhania), for garnish
Directions
1

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef or chicken and sear until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2

In the same pot, sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic, ginger, and chili, stirring until aromatic. Then add tomatoes, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook until tomatoes soften into a thick base.

3

Add curry powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Return the browned meat to the pot, stir well, and pour in stock. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes (beef may take longer than chicken).

4

Stir in the plantains and coconut milk. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes, or until matoke is tender and meat is fully cooked.

5

Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with chapati, rice, or on its own as a hearty meal.

Notes

A hearty Ugandan matoke stew with green plantains, beef or chicken, and rich spices. This is a dish perfect for family meals. For a vegetarian option, don't include any meats and substitute beef/chicken stock with vegetable stock.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size

1

Amount per serving
Calories380
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g20%
Sodium 310mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 42g16%

Dietary Fiber 6g22%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 20g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.