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Mchemsho (Tanzanian cuisine)

Name: Mchemsho (Tanzanian cuisine)
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 500 g beef, cut into cubes; 4 green cooking bananas, peeled and sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed; 1 small cabbage, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tomatoes, diced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 5 cups beef stock or water; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp turmeric; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Juice of 1 lime or lemon; Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, for garnish

Mchemsho is a traditional Tanzanian mixed stew consisting of meat, vegetables, green bananas, and aromatic spices simmered together in a flavorful broth. The name mchemsho comes from the Swahili word chemsha, meaning "to boil". The dish is particularly popular in northern Tanzania and is often prepared for special occasions, family gatherings, and weekend meals. It may be served on its own or accompanied by rice, chapati, or ugali.

From Wikibooks CookbookNo reviews yet· 0 commentsMedium0 made it

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Ingredients

Makes

500 g beef, cut into cubes
4 green cooking bananas, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 small cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tomatoes, diced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
5 cups beef stock or water
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime or lemon
Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, for garnish

Ingredients for 8 servings (3.5 kg) · the original recipe

Method

1
Place the beef in a large pot and cover with water.
2
Add half of the onion, half of the ginger, and a pinch of salt.
3
Simmer until the meat becomes tender, about 1–1½ hours.
Stovetop
4
Reserve the cooking stock.
5
Heat the oil in a separate large pot.
6
Sauté the remaining onion until soft.
7
Add the garlic and remaining ginger and cook for 1 minute.
8
Stir in the tomatoes and cook until softened.
9
Add the cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
10
Add the potatoes, carrots, green bananas, green beans, cabbage, and bell pepper.
11
Pour in the reserved stock.
12
Add the cooked beef.
13
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
Stovetop
14
Cook until all vegetables are tender.
15
Season with salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
16
Garnish with chopped coriander.
17
Serve hot.

Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.