Mtori (Kilimanjaro Banana and Beef Soup)
In short: A smooth, savory soup of beef and unripe cooking bananas, simmered until soft and mashed into the broth, finished with black pepper. It takes about 2 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 50 min
- Total
- 2 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 355 kcal
Mtori is a smooth, savory soup from the Kilimanjaro region, made by simmering unripe cooking bananas with beef and mashing them into the broth. It is mild and creamy without any cream, and is eaten at family dinners and as a gentle meal when appetite is low. The beef goes back into the bowl or is served on the side. Green plantains are an easy substitute for cooking bananas.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides for 6 minutes, then add the onion and garlic and cook for 4 minutes.
- Add the water and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 60 to 70 minutes until the beef is tender.
- While the beef simmers, trim both ends of each banana, slit the skin lengthwise and peel it off. Cut the bananas into chunks.
- Add the bananas, carrot and tomato to the pot with the remaining salt. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the bananas are very soft.
- Lift out the beef and shred or cube it, discarding the bones. Mash the bananas into the broth with a potato masher, or blend part of the soup until smooth.
- Return the beef to the pot and heat through for 5 minutes. Season with pepper and add water if the soup is too thick. Serve hot with lime wedges.
Tips
- Peel green bananas with a knife rather than your fingers, and oil your hands first. The sap can stain and stick.
- For a quicker mtori, use ground beef browned with the onion, and cut the simmering time to 30 minutes.
Questions and answers
Where can I find cooking bananas?
Look in African, Caribbean and Latin American shops, where they are sold as green plantains or matoke bananas. Choose very green, firm fruit.
Can I make mtori without meat?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and add chickpeas or mushrooms for body. The banana still gives the soup its creamy texture.
How should I store leftover mtori?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so thin it with hot water while reheating.
How long does it take to make Mtori (Kilimanjaro Banana and Beef Soup)?
About 2 h 15 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mtori (Kilimanjaro Banana and Beef Soup)?
About 355 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 355 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
