Matooke With Peanut Sauce

Matooke [mah-TOOK-eh] is the name of a type of green banana that is eaten daily in Uganda, as well as the name of a savory dish — similar to mashed potatoes — made with that fruit. This recipe substitutes plantains, the closest equivalent available in U.S. markets. The topping of peanut sauce gives this national dish the majority of its flavor.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 4 cups water, divided 
• 6-8 plantains, peeled and chopped 
• 1 tomato 
• ½ onion, peeled 
• 1 cup peanut butter 
• ½ tsp. paprika 
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place 2 cups of water and plantains in a pot and simmer until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain and mash. Add water if needed to reach desired consistency. 
2. To prepare peanut sauce, chop tomato and onion. Place in a saucepan with the remaining 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in peanut butter and spices. Let simmer, stirring continuously until thickened. 
3. Pour sauce over the prepared plantains and serve.