Kenyan Creamy Matoke

Matoke, also known as green bananas or plantains, are a popular ingredient in Kenyan cuisine. This recipe combines the delicious flavour of matoke with a creamy sauce for a delightful Kenyan dish. Here’s how to make creamy matoke:

Ingredients:

– 4-5 ripe matoke (green bananas or plantains)

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 2 tomatoes, diced

– 1/2 cup heavy cream

– 2 tablespoons cooking oil

– 1 teaspoon curry powder

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Matoke:

– Peel the matoke and cut them into thick slices or chunks. Place them in a bowl of water to prevent browning while you prepare the sauce.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

– Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.

– Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to turn golden.

– Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or until fragrant.

3. Add the Spices:

– Sprinkle the curry powder, turmeric, and paprika over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir well to coat the spices evenly.

4. Add the Vegetables:

– Add the diced red bell pepper and tomatoes to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and release their juices.

5. Simmer the Matoke:

– Drain the matoke slices and add them to the pan. Stir to combine them with the aromatic and vegetable mixture.

– Pour in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the matoke are coated with the creamy sauce.

6. Cover and Cook:

– Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the matoke simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The matoke should become tender and absorb the Flavors of the sauce.

7. Serve:

– Once the matoke are soft and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.

– Serve your creamy matoke hot, garnished with fresh coriander or parsley if desired.

Creamy matoke makes a wonderful side dish or can be served with rice, chapati, or your Favorite Kenyan main course. Enjoy your Kenyan-style creamy matoke!