Mtori (Banana and Beef Soup)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Beef shank or brisket, cut into chunks — 500 g (1 lb)
- Water — 1.5 L (6 cups)
- Onion, chopped — 1
- Green (unripe) bananas, peeled and sliced — 6
- Carrots, sliced — 2
- Salt, or to taste — 1 tsp
- Black pepper — 1/2 tsp
- Fresh coriander, chopped, to serve — 2 tbsp
Method
- Place the beef, water and onion in a large pot, bring to a boil, and skim off any foam.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, until the beef is beginning to soften.
- Add the sliced green bananas and carrots, and continue simmering for a further 20–25 minutes, until the bananas and beef are both very tender.
- Remove the beef, shred it into smaller pieces, and set aside.
- Mash the softened bananas and vegetables directly in the pot with a potato masher until the soup is thick and mostly smooth, with some texture remaining.
- Return the shredded beef to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for a further 5 minutes to heat through.
- Ladle into bowls and scatter with fresh coriander before serving.
Introduction: Mtori is a smooth, hearty soup from the Kilimanjaro region, made by simmering green bananas with beef
until soft, then mashing everything together into a thick, comforting broth.
Cultural Background: Mtori is a smooth, hearty soup from the Kilimanjaro region, made by simmering green bananas with beef
until soft, then mashing everything together into a thick, comforting broth. Traditionally prepared for new
mothers and honoured guests, it holds a special place in Chagga culinary tradition.
Tips: Use firm, unripe green bananas (also called green plantains in some markets) rather than ripe yellow bananas, which would make the soup too sweet. Mash the soup to your preferred texture — some prefer it very smooth, others a bit chunkier.
Variations: Add a splash of coconut milk for a richer version. Use goat meat instead of beef. The rich beef broth is central to mtori's identity; no authentic vegetarian version exists.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
FAQs:
Q: Where can I find green bananas?
A: Unripe green bananas or green plantains are available at African, Caribbean or Latin American grocers.
Q: What occasion is mtori traditionally associated with?
A: It's especially known as a nourishing dish prepared for new mothers and honoured guests in Chagga tradition from the Kilimanjaro region.
Q: Can I make it smoother?
A: Yes, blend the soup with an immersion blender for an even smoother texture, if preferred.
- Beef shank or brisket, cut into chunks — 500 g (1 lb)
- Water — 1.5 L (6 cups)
- Onion, chopped — 1
- Green (unripe) bananas, peeled and sliced — 6
- Carrots, sliced — 2
- Salt, or to taste — 1 tsp
- Black pepper — 1/2 tsp
- Fresh coriander, chopped, to serve — 2 tbsp
Please log in to leave a comment.