Oluwombo Enyama — Print Recipe

Tender beef chunks slow-steamed in banana leaves with a rich tomato and onion sauce, producing fork-tender meat infused with earthy banana leaf aroma.

Ingredients

1kg beef stew meat, cubed
4 banana leaves, softened
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp curry powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup beef stock

Instructions

1 Soften banana leaves over an open flame or in boiling water until they become pliable and easy to fold.
2 Season beef with salt, pepper, curry powder, garlic, and ginger, mixing thoroughly to coat each piece.
3 Place softened banana leaves in layers, add the seasoned beef, tomatoes, onions, and beef stock in the center.
4 Fold the banana leaves carefully to create a tight, sealed parcel, tying securely with string.
5 Place in a steaming pot with water beneath and steam on low heat for ninety minutes until beef is very tender.
6 Unwrap at the table, allowing the fragrant steam to escape. The beef should be meltingly tender in a concentrated sauce.

Did You Know?

Opening a luwombo parcel at the table is considered a moment of ceremony, and the eldest person present is often given the honor.