Ugandan-style Matoke with Cheese

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we substitute the traditional mote (hominy) with ripe plantains, a staple ingredient in Ugandan cuisine. Additionally, we incorporate local Ugandan cheese into the dish to enhance the flavors and create a unique fusion of Ecuadorian and Ugandan culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Mote de queso, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Ugandan cheese 1 cup (100 g) grated Ugandan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 24g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the plantain chunks and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground cumin to the onion and garlic mixture, and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the milk and grated Ugandan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. 6.
   Using a potato masher or fork, mash the cooked plantains until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Pour the cheese sauce over the mashed plantains and stir until well combined.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly ripe for the best texture in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to the cheese sauce.
• Serve the dish with a side of fresh Ugandan greens, such as sukuma wiki or nakati, for a complete meal.
• If you can't find Ugandan cheese, you can substitute it with a mild cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

Serving advice

Ugandan-style Matoke with Cheese is best served hot as a main course. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can shape the mashed plantains into small individual portions using a ring mold. Drizzle some extra cheese sauce on top and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped green onions.