Nyama na Ibitoke Sauce
A flavorful sauce made with tender pieces of meat (often beef or goat) simmered with ripe plantains, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This dish highlights the sweet and savory combination characteristic of Rwandan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Beef or goat meat(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 400 ml Water or broth
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes, coriander powder, and curry powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the tomatoes soften and form a paste-like consistency.
- 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the water or broth, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 45 minutes, or until the meat is almost tender.
- 6
Add the sliced ripe plantains to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Ensure the plantains are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the plantains are very soft and have started to break down, thickening the sauce.
- 7
Stir gently to mash some of the plantains, further thickening the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
💡 Tip: The ripe plantains will naturally sweeten and thicken the sauce. - 8
Serve the Nyama na Ibitoke Sauce hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice or ugali.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using ripe plantains is key for sweetness and thickening. Avoid green plantains for this recipe.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use goat meat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots in the last 15 minutes of cooking.