Kondre - Cameroonian beef stew

Kondre, a national dish of Cameroonians is a tasty and filling dish consisting of meat, plantains, tomatoes, onions, crayfish and spices. The stew resembles butternut squash soup in appearance, though with a unique taste and flavor.

Meat such as goat, chicken, beef or pork can be used to prepare Kondre.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 120 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds beef

• 3- 4 pounds green plantains

• 1 large onion

• 3 large tomatoes

• ¼ cup parsley

• ½ cup basil

• ¼ cup celery leaves

• 2 teaspoons grated ginger

• 8 cloves garlic

• 2 green onions

• 1 teaspoon white pepper

• ½ teaspoon curry powder

• 1 tablespoon thyme

• ½ - 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon bouillon powder or 2 Maggi cubes

• Salt to taste

Cooking Steps

1. In Large saucepan boil meat seasoned with salt, and, onions until tender depending on the meat with plenty of water for stock.

2. Using a sharp knife cut both ends off the plantain. This will make it easy to grab the skin of the plantains. Slit a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain and remove plantain peel by pulling it back.

3. Cut the plantains into 2-3 pieces depending on size

4. Chop the tomatoes, onions, green onions and place in a food processor or blender- add garlic, basil, parsley, celery with a little bit of water -if using a blender to facilitate blending. Blend until puree.

5. Heat up a large pot with oil, then add the tomatoes mixture, white pepper, curry, and meat with meat stock, bring to a boil.

6. Simmer for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

7. Add plantains, Maggi and/or stock / water (enough to cover the plantains)

8. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let it cook until the plantains are super tender about an hour or more.

9. Add water as necessary to prevent burns.