Matooke with Groundnut Sauce

Ingredients

Matooke

• 8–10 green cooking bananas (matooke), peeled and wrapped in banana leaves or foil
• 2 cups water, for steaming
• Salt, to taste

Groundnut (Peanut) Sauce

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (or 1 cup roasted peanuts, ground)
• 2 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Steam the matooke: Wrap peeled bananas in banana leaves (traditional) or foil bundles. Place in a steamer or large pot with a tight lid and 2 cups water at the bottom. Steam over medium heat for 45–60 minutes until soft and tender.

2. Make the groundnut sauce: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in peanut butter and water (or stock) until smooth.

4. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a pourable stew consistency. Adjust salt to taste.

5. Serve: Mash or slice the steamed matooke and ladle the warm groundnut sauce over the top. Best eaten with your hands or alongside rice.

Bree's Notes

This was my favourite dish growing up in Buziga. The secret is patience — let the matooke steam until it's truly soft, and don't rush the sauce. It should be rich, nutty, and thick enough to cling to every bite.