Tag: kampala

Green Banana Cutlets.

On By WanjoroIn Recipes1 Comment

Green bananas aka “matoke” as they are known here are available in Kampala in plenty. While many here prefer them steamed and mashed, there are many other meals one can make with them. You can make them into a porridge, like we did here. Bake them, deep fry them, make a yummy breakfast dish or even stew them.

This time round I steamed them whole, let them cool a bit, then peeled and mashed them into cigar like rolls. Next, I pan fried them in butter and a pinch of mixed herbs to get a delicious taste that one cannot believe is green bananas.

Let us get started. You will need:-

  • A small bunch of green bananas, about 9 pieces if small, or 5 large.
  • 1 tsp freshly ground mixed spice blend -I used one that had ground sea salt, pepper, sesame seeds, fennel, cloves, coriander, star anise, onion and ginger.
  • 1/2 cup of cornflour. This makes them crunchy on the outside but soft and fluffy inside.
  • 1/4 tsp of ground turmeric.
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs.
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter.

Method.

Wash the bananas and boil them whole for about 20 minutes, till soft. They will blacken a bit.

Drain and cool them. Peel and mash them together with the spices, cornflour and oil, then shape them into little cigar like rolls.

Heat your pan and add the butter, I like adding a bit of oil too so the butter doesn’t brown too fast.

Add the rolls in batches and pan fry till they are a golden brown colour on medium heat.

They smell and taste amazing. You can have them as a snack or with greens on the side, whatever tickles your fancy.

We had ours with sautéed greens and bacon. I will post the recipe for it soon too.

Colourful, delicious, filling and easy to make. Definitely worth a try.

Keep it here for this and more simple family friendly recipes using what is on hand, as well as titbits about our experiences as a family here in Kampala.

I would also like to thank you all for stopping by, sharing and subscribing to this blog, as well as those who take the time to try out my recipes and give me feedback. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me.

Love and Light.

Wanjoro.

Let’s Plantain!

On By WanjoroIn Recipes, Schooling from home2 Comments

One of the things I love about Kampala is the fact that plantains are easily available. ‘Gonja‘ as they are known here are steamed, fried, baked, roasted/ grilled and even make some crunchy tasty crisps that my son loves a bit too much!

I am always assured of help by my little sous chef when his fave is on the dinner menu.

With it’s constant presence in my kitchen, I have been trying different recipes and ways to cook this delicious vegetable/ fruit. Here are some of the ways we have had it so far, and I will be sure to share any more new recipes using them.

You can pan fry them and have them with wings and a salad.

One can also deep fry them if they are still firm, they are a great snack that way. I like them yellow almost black though, which makes them better suited for baking and pan frying as they are softer then. Deep frying the really ripe ones makes them absorb too much oil.

I like them this way.
If they are too ripe ,bake them into a lovely plantain bread. just mash/ blend them like you would bananas for banana bread.
You can fry them with little to no oil in a non stick pan and have them with yummy fried fish and a warm cabbage beetroot salad.
Easy oven baked plantains with a sausage stew and some coleslaw. Quick, easy and a hit with the kids.
Who said you can’t have mashed plantains. Steam them and mash with a splash of warm milk, some butter and some pepper. Have them with a nice stew. It is so YUMMY!!
Or pan fry them and have them with some spicy chicken and salsa.

I do not want to lie and say I have a favourite way of having them, they are that versatile and delicious on their own or with other sides. I want to try making them with coconut milk next. How do you like your plantain?

Flashback Friday.

On By WanjoroIn Memories, Out and About, Things I love about Kampala1 Comment

Kampala and Uganda as a whole is not short of places to visit and have fun for both kids and adults.

Since we cannot move much at this time, here is a flashback Friday post of some of the places we have been so far. Not many but worth a visit.

For breakfast and brunch options, there are many restaurants to choose from and the best thing is food is not expensive here. The portions are also hearty at some places (Cafe Javas to be specific). I have never been able to finish a complete meal and they have great food and service.

Holy Crêpe is another great option for breakfast and brunch. Though portions are not as generous as CJ’s. It’s a nice option when you want to have a quiet chat with a friend or enjoy your coffee in a laid back environment.

Caffeserrie found at Acacia Mall is another place with great vibes and the food is also delicious and fresh. I really wish I had a photo of their blueberry cheese cake it is yummy!

  • Mickey Mouse pancake is a kiddie great option at Holy Crêpe
  • Toast from Holy Crêpe

Lunch options are endless, from the roadside kiosks called “Kafunda” to little hole in the wall joints that offer both traditional Uganda food as well as fast food options. Spectrum Restaurant is a must try in Kampala! From Matoke, Fish Luwombo, Chicken tikka curry, meatballs stew, beans and peas, traditional green vegetables, their roasted pork and goat; their buffet options are sight to behold and partake. Wear loose fitting clothes when you go there; your tummy will be grateful.

The Copper Chimney Restaurant is another great place to enjoy your naan bread and curry in a beautiful atmosphere – that is if you are lucky to be sitted facing the cricket pavilion, with a lovely breeze to boot. If you’re with the kids order the mixed grill meats platter and butter naan and let them enjoy! I’m getting hungry thinking about this!

Pizza and cocktails on your mind? Caffe Roma is the place. Don’t want to cook? Caffe Roma will come to your rescue. Their chicken pollo is one of their best selling pizza and worth a try with generous toppings.

Want to swim then take a walk and have a meal facing Lake Victoria? The Munyonyo Commonwealth resort is a must visit.

Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy the sunset over the lake.
You can enjoy traditional dances from across Uganda performed at Munyonyo on some Sundays.

You can also take a drive to Entebbe and visit the Entebbe zoo. They also have a play area for kids and a small restaurant you can order meals from. The zoo also has a botanical garden and it was interesting to learn of trees and plants that can heal or help with easing epilepsy symptoms, dysentery, malaria, even STIS and fibroids and many more. They also sell seedlings of the herbs and some of the indigenous trees.

Don’t forget to say hey to the Chimps at the zoo; if you’re lucky you may find them trying to NOT share pineapples with each other which is quite a sight.

Craving some charcoal grilled fish or more pizza as you enjoy the lakeside breeze? You must try Goretti’s Beachside Pizzeria. But please note, you must book ahead and they do not accept card payments; cash is king. It is a must visit when in Entebbe. Period.

Can you finish that? Goretti’s makes the drive to Entebbe worth it.
You cannot access the beach from Goretti’s this is as close as you can get but still awesome!
This is Garuga Beach between Entebbe and Kampala. A hidden resort that is a great picnic site too.

I am now missing all this…

Say Cheese!

On By WanjoroIn Recipes, Things I love about Kampala2 Comments

One of the things I love about Kampala is easily accessible food and ingredient choices that are healthy, delicious and easy on the pocket.

Butter, cheese and ghee are much cheaper here than back home and the cheese I have had so far is definitely better in terms of quality and taste.

One of my favourites is goat cheese by Kyaninga Dairy. You can read more about them here. I like the Mpanga and Toro options. Creamy, delicious, decadent goodness right here my mouth is watering right now.

This creamy goodness right here has me drooling…

You can have it as a spread, in a salad, on its own as a decadent treat. Or make some great pizza with it as we did one time. I used this recipe and do not forget that glaze, the flavours work so well together!

This was just before the pizza was ready, I made it in a double sided pan and let me say it tasted much better than it looks!

I also like Sanatos Cheese options. Especially their gouda and cheddar options.

You can actually taste the black pepper in this one. And they also have a plain cheddar one too.

I like this on pasta dishes, or mashed a bit with the potatoes when making shepherd’s pie.

  • Beef mince pasta bake with a black pepper cheddar cheese sauce topping
  • Pasta, tuna tomato bake with usual cheddar

What’s your favorite cheese?