Agatogo (Rwandan Plantain and Beef Stew)
In short: Green cooking plantains simmered with beef, tomato, onion and carrot into a thick, soft stew. A Rwandan home dish for lunch or dinner. It takes about 1 h 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 h 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 395 kcal
Agatogo is a simple, filling plantain stew cooked in Rwandan homes for lunch or dinner. Green plantains, the starchy cooking kind, are peeled and simmered with beef, onion, tomato and carrot until the plantain softens and thickens the pot. Some cooks mash a few pieces for a creamier sauce. It is served as it is, often with a side of beans or a fresh chili sauce.
Instructions
- Oil your hands and a small knife. Cut the ends off the plantains, slit the skin lengthwise and peel it off. Cut the flesh into 3 cm (1 in) chunks and keep them in cold water until needed.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef for about 8 minutes, then add the onions and cook for 6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and tomatoes and cook for 8 minutes, mashing them, until they form a thick sauce.
- Add the water, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the beef is nearly tender.
- Drain the plantains and add them to the pot with the carrots and bell pepper. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the plantains are soft.
- Mash a few pieces of plantain against the side of the pot to thicken the stew. Taste for salt and serve hot.
Tips
- Green plantains stain hands and knives, so oil them first. Rubbing a little lemon juice or oil on the blade makes peeling easier.
- No cooking plantains? Use firm green bananas or half-ripe plantains. They will be slightly sweeter.
Questions and answers
Can I make agatogo without meat?
Yes. Skip the beef and add 2 extra carrots and a handful of beans. Simmer the stew for 40 minutes in total.
What is the difference between agatogo and matoke?
Matoke is plantain cooked simply, steamed or boiled until soft. Agatogo has more vegetables and meat, and a thicker sauce.
Does agatogo freeze well?
Yes, though the plantain softens further. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Agatogo (Rwandan Plantain and Beef Stew)?
About 1 h 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 1 h 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Agatogo (Rwandan Plantain and Beef Stew)?
About 395 kcal per serving, with 15 g of protein, 60 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 395 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
