Day 5: Lunch – Katoogo with Beans (Matoke and Beans Stew)

A hearty, one-pot Ugandan dish combining green bananas (matoke) and fresh beans in a savoury tomato and onion base.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• ½ kg (500g) fresh beans, shelled and rinsed
• 10 matoke (green bananas), peeled and cut in halves or chunks
• 1–2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Instructions

1. Prepare the base:
   • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden.
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down into a thick sauce (about 5–7 minutes). Add a pinch of salt to help the tomatoes soften.
2. Add the beans:
   • Add the fresh beans to the tomato mixture.
   • Stir well, then add enough water to just cover the beans.
   • Cover and simmer for about 20–30 minutes, or until the beans begin to soften.
3. Add the matoke:
   • Add the peeled matoke to the pot.
   • Add a bit more water if needed to ensure the matoke are mostly covered.
   • Add salt to taste.
   • Cover and simmer for another 20–30 minutes, or until the matoke are tender and the beans are fully cooked.
4. Finish:
   • Stir gently to avoid mashing the matoke.
   • Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes if the sauce is too thin, until it thickens slightly.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot as a complete meal. Optionally, garnish with fresh coriander or serve with a side of greens.