Matoke

Prepare the Green Bananas

Peel the green bananas and chop them into large chunks. To prevent them from turning brown, you can keep them in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice.

Cook the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Vegetables and Spices

Add the chopped tomatoes and green bell pepper to the pot.

Stir in the ground turmeric and ground cumin.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and the mixture is well combined.

Add the Green Bananas

Drain the green bananas if they were kept in water, then add them to the pot.

Pour in the water or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cook the Matoke

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the green bananas are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

Mash the Matoke (Optional)

For a more traditional presentation, you can lightly mash the matoke with a wooden spoon or potato masher, while still in the pot, to create a thick, chunky consistency.

Serve

Transfer the matoke to a serving dish.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.