Matoke — Print Recipe — The Culinary Codex

Unripe green bananas peeled and simmered in a savory tomato and onion sauce until tender and creamy, a beloved starch dish across western Kenya.

Ingredients

1 Peel green bananas by making a lengthwise slit and removing the skin under running water to prevent sap from staining hands.
2 Cut peeled bananas into chunks and soak in salted water to prevent browning while preparing the sauce.
3 Heat oil in a large pot, sauté diced onions for five minutes, then add tomatoes and cook until saucy.
4 Add turmeric and curry powder, stirring for one minute until fragrant and the oil separates from the sauce.
5 Add banana chunks and water or coconut milk. Cover and simmer on low heat for twenty-five minutes until tender.
6 The bananas should be soft and creamy, absorbing the flavors of the sauce. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Did You Know?

In western Kenya, a man who brings home green bananas is signaling that he wants his wife to cook his favorite comfort food.