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Matoke National Dish of Uganda

Matoke

Let's take a culinary adventure to Uganda with Matoke – the dish that proves green bananas aren't just for slipping on! Get ready to turn those bananas into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have you going bananas with delight! Matoke is one of the most popular dishes in the country and considered to be the national dish of Uganda.

We asked Bonifence from Lake Kitandara Tours & Travel what his favourite dish was from Uganda and the Matoke came out on top. 

We always like to set the mood when cooking so set your speakers to  Kacumbali

Ingredients Matoke:

6 ripe matoke (green bananas) – the stars of our show, and they're not just for monkeys anymore!
2 tomatoes, chopped – because every good dish needs a little tomatoey love.
1 onion, diced – the unsung hero that adds a touch of tear-jerking drama to the mix.
2 cloves garlic, minced – because let's face it, everything's better with a little garlic breath.
1 green chili pepper, chopped – for those brave enough to spice things up a notch.
1 teaspoon curry powder – the spice that makes everything nice.
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder – because why not add a little sunshine to our bananas?
1/2 teaspoon paprika – for a hint of smoky sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste – the dynamic duo that never fails to save the day.
2 cups water or vegetable broth – because every dish needs a little liquid love.
Fresh cilantro for garnish – the fancy frills that make our dish Instagram-worthy.

Instructions Matoke:

  1. Peel the matoke and chop them into chunks – let's give those bananas a makeover they won't soon forget!
  2. Heat up some oil in a pot and toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Let them sizzle and sing like they're auditioning for the next cooking show.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chili pepper to the pot – it's like adding the supporting cast to our banana bonanza!
  4. Sprinkle in the curry powder, turmeric powder, paprika, salt, and pepper – let's give those bananas a flavor makeover they won't soon forget!
  5. Throw in the matoke chunks and give everything a good stir. It's like a banana bash in a pot!
  6. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the matoke are tender and cooked through – because even bananas need a little tender loving care.
  7. Once the matoke are cooked to perfection, garnish with fresh cilantro – because every dish needs a little greenery to brighten things up!
  8. Serve your Matoke hot and steaming, and get ready to go bananas with delight! Whether you pair it with rice, chapati, or a side of greens, get ready to dig in and enjoy the hilariously delicious flavours of Uganda! 

Tip: Most Ugandans eat with their hands, so make sure you wash them before and after your meal.

With Lake Kitandara Tours & Travel, every meal is an adventure – so why not spice things up with a little Matoke?

Book your culinary journey today and get ready to taste the world, one delicious dish at a time!