Ndizi na Utumbo (Banana with Calf Tummy)

Ndizi na Utumbo (Banana with Calf Tummy)

Ndizi is the Swahili word for Bananas. Utumbo is the Swahili word for tummy. This recipe can be either Ndovi na urumbo ( Bananas with calf tummy) or Ndizi na utumbo. The following recipee is typical Comorian who have played a very big role in colouring the culinary culture in Zanzibar Islands. You can prepare the dish with meat and you will have also a good taste. I just prefer thise recipe because of my historical background. I remember when I was coming to Zanzibar in 1985, I called my aunt the late Bi Shifaa and ordered this dish, because it was not only special, but it possess a French culinary taste in the French cuisine of 'Le trip de Marseilles'.

Ingredients

• one cup water
• Quater of kg towel tummy and quarter of a kg string tummy. Cut the towel tummy into bite-sized triangle of 5 cms each and the string tummy about one meter each, leave as it is. Clean the ingredients and put aside.
• one teaspoon salt
• one-half teaspoon black pepper
• one or two onions, thinly sliced
• two cloves fresh garlic
• one cup coconut milk (canned is okay, see the note about coconut milk on the
• one bay leaf (optional)
• 10 pcs. green hard bananas peeled and bisected in the middle
• One spoon of oil
• Half piece of lime juice
• 2 whole chillies

Method

• Start to prepare the towel tummy pieces by fasting them with the string tummy pieces, tie them nicely, that they do not open very easily. In a pot or pan, bring five cups of water to a boil. Add the calf tarm, salt, pepper, . Cover, reduce heat, and simmer.
• While tummy is simmering: Heat oil in a separate pan. Fry the chopped onions and garlic for a few minutes. Add the bananas. Reduce heat. Add coconut milk and bay leaf. Cover and simmer.
• Add the already cooked calf tummy in the middle of bananas. Cook for ten minutes or until the tummy is done and bananas are tender.
• Adjust seasoning by adding a little bit of lime juice to taste and two whole chillies.

Bon Apetite.

Benn Haidari