Fufu-Style Plantain Mash with Spiced Tomato Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy mashed green plantains paired with a fragrant tomato stew featuring ginger, garlic, and Ethiopian spices. This ethiopian-inspired street food ready in about 55 minutes pairs green plantains, tomato paste, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Boil in salted water for 12 minutes until tender, then drain and mash until smooth with a potato masher.
  2. Step 2: Heat coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (5 minutes), then add ginger and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken stock, and 1 tsp berbere spice. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Serve mashed plantains topped with warm tomato stew, ensuring each bite has a balance of starchy comfort and spiced tang.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fufu-Style Plantain Mash with Spiced Tomato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fufu-Style Plantain Mash with Spiced Tomato Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fufu-Style Plantain Mash with Spiced Tomato Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fufu-Style Plantain Mash with Spiced Tomato Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fufu-Style Plantain Mash with Spiced Tomato Stew?

Ethiopian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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