International Cuisine

Exploring the world through food.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Journey by Country
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • My Cookbook

Ndizi Nyama (Green Bananas and Beef Stew)

January 6, 2022 By Darlene at International Cuisine

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe  ↓ Print Recipe  ❒
a pot full of beef and banana stew

Ndiza Nyama is a beloved dish. Tanzania is famous for many things and it turns out they grow a lot of bananas too!  One banana in particular is an important cooking banana called Mchare.  

Although many types are grown the green mchare is used most often in the famous banana and meat stew recipe called Ndiza Nyama in Swahili. 

a pot full of beef and banana stew

To make Ndizi Nyama at home, you can use plantains which is the closest you will find to the cooking banana in Tanzania. 

Bananas are extremely popular in Tanzania and you will see many vendors selling them on the sides of the road, all over the country.

A very busy African market selling giant bushels of green bananas

 

Bananas are the principal source of dietary carbohydrates for over 30 million people in Africa. Most of these bananas are processed by cooking, boiling, frying, pounding, and juicing. 

We enjoyed this delicious ndizi nyama while staying in a luxury camp on the Serengeti. Truly an unforgettable experience.  

Did you know that Tanzania has protected 38 percent of its land with National parks.  Perhaps this is the reason that it one of the best places on the planet to enjoy a safari. I highly recommend it if you ever get the opportunity.

If you would like to learn more be sure to check out “Our Journey to Tanzania”.  

You can also find more authentic recipes like Chips za Taro (Taro Chips), Maharge ya Nazi (Kidney beans in Coconut milk) and Kashata, a lovely peanut brittle snack or dessert.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world, so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

a pot full of beef and banana stew
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Ndizi Nyama (Bananas and Beef Stew)

A surprisingly delicious combination of flavors brought to you from Tanzania
Course Main Dish
Cuisine East African, Tanzanian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 674kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 lb Beef Filet Chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • 4 Plantains Green or yellow peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces
  • 1 medium Onion, white Chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic Peeled and minced
  • 2 Tomatoes diced
  • 1 Carrot sliced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 small bunch cilantro chopped for garnish
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat
  • Add in onions and garlic and fry until golden
  • Add in the beef and cook until browned
  • Add in the carrots and chopped tomatoes.
  • Add in about 2 cups of water. Stir well
  • Add in salt and pepper to taste and cover until the stew is boiling
  • Add in the plantains, stir well and continue to boil for another 10 minutes.
  • Add the coconut milk to stew and stir well
  • Reduce heat to simmer for another 5 minutes. If the plantains are tender, your Ndizi Nyama is ready to be served.

Notes

Serve with white rice or ugali. 

Nutrition

Calories: 674kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 1619mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 5213IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 6mg

 

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Main Dish, Recipes, Tanzania

« Maharge ya Nazi (Kidney Beans in Coconut Milk)
Taro Chips »
Symbols of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan a tea pot, cotton, wheat, an apple, and pictures of their national animals an Uzbek cat and markhor.

Our Journey to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

How did they get their Names? Both of these countries are named for early, ...

Read More »

Symbols of Taiwan, a flag, plum blossoms, black bear, butterfly, baseball bat, teapot and a mask.

Our Journey to Taiwan

How did Taiwan get its name? Portuguese explorers, back in the mid 1500s, ...

Read More »

This Week’s Recipes

A plateful of Togolese Spaghetti Salad

Togolese Spaghetti Salad

A plateful of Togolese grilled chicken served with djenkoume, a tomato cornmeal

Togo Grilled Chicken Recipe

a mound of Togolese tomato cornmeal called Djenkoume

Togo Djenkoume Tomato Cornmeal Recipe

Welcome to International Cuisine

Hello my name is Darlene and thank you for stopping by!

I am cooking a meal from every country in the world. I do extensive research and choose a menu that I feel best represents the country and their cuisine. Of course that also includes the authentic, delicious recipes. Simply click on the link or the photo in the journey by country posts to get them. I also share important information about the country as well.

I love to cook, photograph, and especially travel. I hope you enjoy this culinary and cultural adventure around the world. Be sure to join the journey so you don't miss a thing. It's free!

Our Mission

To promote cultural appreciation by cooking our way across the world, one nation at a time. To discover the struggles and joys that have influenced the people, to gain an appreciation of their land and traditions and to feel the hospitality that only sharing a meal can convey.

Come join the journey, explore a new country each week and embark on a fantastic culinary adventure.

Connect and share with Us

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Join the Journey It’s Free!

Sign up for my culinary, travel and cultural adventure delivered right to your inbox so you won't miss a thing.

Copyright International Cuisine 2014-2021 All Rights Reserved