Kenyan Mchuzi wa Ndizi Mbivu (Unripe Banana Stew)
A hearty and flavorful stew made with unripe bananas, often cooked with meat (like beef or chicken) or vegetables in a rich tomato and onion-based sauce, seasoned with traditional Kenyan spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6-8 medium Unripe green bananas(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 500 g Beef or chicken(cubed (optional))
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 2 cups Water or broth
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using meat, brown it in a large pot or Dutch oven with 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the pot. Sauté the chopped onions until softened and translucent.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a sauce.
- 6
Return the meat to the pot (if using). Add the unripe banana chunks and the water or broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the bananas are tender and the sauce has thickened. This can take about 30-40 minutes.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you use truly unripe green bananas; ripe ones will become mushy.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and consider adding other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- ✓Serve hot with ugali, rice, or chapati.
🔄 Variations
- Add coconut milk in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a creamy finish.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger.