Peanut Butter Matoke

Woohoo! So excited about today's recipe. It's matoke! I have always wanted to cook matoke, I don't know if it is laziness or I just had not gotten the matoke. This recipe is made by special bananas, which are longer than normal ones. But you can cook this recipe with normal ones, though they will not be called matoke. I wanted to add more taste so I decided to add peanut butter for some creaminess and get a thick gravy. Traditionally matoke is cooked by Ugandans where it is served with homemade peanut sauce. The matoke is cooked with whole bananas. Very delicious. I have had it at a function. You can even add coconut milk for more taste and aroma. The peanut butter matoke had no left overs, that is how delicious it was, looking foward to making more matoke guys.

INGREDIENTS

1 Dozen Matoke Bananas
1 Tablespoon Turmeric
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1/2 Cup Chunky Peanut Butter
Pinch Salt
1/2 Cup Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Onions
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons Water

METHOD

Peel, chop the bananas and leave them in water to prevent discoloration

Add onions to pan with oil

Cook until onions are browned and softened

Add tomatoes

Cook until tomatoes turn paste like

Add black pepper

Add turmeric

Add salt

Add chopped matoke into the pot

Allow to cook a few minutes

Turn to mix the ingredients

Add 2 cups water

Turn heat to medium low and allow to simmer

Add peanut butter

Add seasoning if needed. Cook until gravy has thickened

Serve with fried liver

PEANUT BUTTER MATOKE

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 15 Minutes

Cook time: 30 Minutes

Total time: 45 Minutes

Yield: 2 Servings

Ingredients

• 12 Matoke Bananas
• 1 Tablespoon Turmeric
• 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Chunky Peanut Butter
• Pinch Salt
• 1/2 Cup Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup Onions
• 3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Water

Cooking Directions

1. Peel, chop the bananas and leave them in water to prevent discoloration. Add onions to pan with oil. Cook until onions are browned and softened. Add tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes turn paste like
2. Add black pepper. Add turmeric. Add salt. Add chopped matoke into the pot. Allow to cook a few minutes. Turn to mix the ingredients
3. Add 2 cups water. Turn heat to medium low and allow to simmer. Add peanut butter. Add seasoning if needed. Cook until gravy has thickened
4. Serve with fried liver

Peanut Butter Matoke – FAQs

What is Peanut Butter Matoke?
Peanut Butter Matoke is a traditional Ugandan dish made by simmering green plantains (matoke) with a savory peanut butter sauce. The natural starchiness of plantains thickens the stew beautifully, while the peanut butter adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle nutty flavor. It’s both comforting and hearty, often served as a main or side dish.

Can I use bananas instead of matoke?
No, ripe bananas are too soft and sweet for this dish. Matoke specifically refers to green, unripe plantains which hold their shape and develop a tender, savory texture when cooked. Using ripe bananas would drastically alter the taste and consistency.

Is it spicy?
The spice level can vary depending on the region and preference. Traditional recipes may include onions, tomatoes, garlic, and mild chilies, but you can adjust the heat level by adding or omitting hot peppers.

What should I serve with Peanut Butter Matoke?
It pairs well with steamed rice, chapati, or posho (maize meal). Some enjoy it on its own as a complete meal due to its satisfying texture and flavor.

Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes! Peanut Butter Matoke stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain its creamy texture.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per Serving – approx. 1 cup)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~280 kcal	Depends on amount of peanut butter used
Carbohydrates	~32 g	Mostly from plantains
Protein	~6 g	From peanut butter
Total Fat	~14 g	Healthy fats from peanuts
Saturated Fat	~2.5 g	Varies by peanut butter brand
Fiber	~4 g	Plantains are a good source of fiber
Sodium	~130 mg	Can be reduced by using unsalted peanut butter

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and additional ingredients like oil or broth.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegan	✅ Yes	Naturally vegan; no animal products
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Fully plant-based
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Ensure no cross-contaminated ingredients are added
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no dairy
Nut-Free	❌ No	Contains peanut butter – not suitable for nut allergies
Paleo-Friendly	❌ No	Contains legumes (peanuts), which are not paleo-approved
Low-Carb/Keto	❌ No	Plantains are starchy and high in carbohydrates

Tip: For nut allergies, consider using sunflower seed butter as a peanut-free alternative, though this will change the flavor.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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