How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare the stew up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Can I substitute the sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin as an alternative.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or diced chili peppers during the cooking process.

Yes, this stew is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.

Burundian Banana and Coconut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

Name: Burundian Banana and Coconut Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Coconut oil; Onion; Garlic; Fresh ginger; Ground cumin; Turmeric powder; Cayenne pepper; Sweet potatoes; Coconut milk; Bananas; Vegetable broth; Salt; Black pepper; Fresh cilantro; Roasted peanuts

A sweet and savory tropical delight

This vibrant Burundian stew combines the rich, creamy flavors of coconut with the natural sweetness of bananas and hearty sweet potatoes, offering a unique blend of flavors inspired by traditional African cuisine.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Stew

Coconut oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Fresh ginger

1 tablespoon, grated

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder

1 teaspoon

Cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon

For the Main Ingredients

Sweet potatoes

2 large, peeled and cubed

Coconut milk

1 can (13.5 oz)

Bananas

3 ripe, sliced

Vegetable broth

1 cup

Salt

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

½ teaspoon

For the Garnish

Fresh cilantro

¼ cup, chopped

Roasted peanuts

1 tablespoon, crushed

Preparation

Initial Stew Preparation

Heat coconut oil

Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté onions

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic, ginger & spices

Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Integrating Main Ingredients

Add sweet potatoes

Add sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat with spices.

Pour liquids

Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.

Simmer and add bananas

Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then add bananas, salt, and pepper.

Do not overcook the bananas as they can become too mushy. Mash a few banana slices into the stew for added texture.

Cooking Process

Stew Simmering

Allow the stew to simmer gently so flavors meld together, around 25 minutes.

Cook on medium-low heat for a total of 1 hour.

Flavor Infusion

Continuously taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance sweetness and spices.

Allocate about 10 minutes for flavor adjustment.

Final Touch

Stir in half the cilantro before serving to enhance freshness.

Finish on low heat to prevent overcooking.

Plating & Serving