Chimbama (Banana and Maize Meal Bread) is a traditional Malawian (from Malawi) recipe for a classic soft bread, also known as Mkate, made from bananas and maize meal that's steamed to cook and which is typically served as an accompaniment. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Malawian version of: Banana and Maize Meal Bread (Chimbama).
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This steamed bread, also known as Mkate wa Ndizi is a Malawian staple. It's made simply from a blend of mashed bananas and ufa (ground maize meal), typically ngaiwa, white maize meal, also known as mealie-meal. This is based on the classic East African Swahili rice bread.
Ingredients:
15 very ripe bananas
150 to 220g ufa (ground maize meal) [for preference ngaiwa, meali meal or white maize meal should be used]
banana leaves or baking parchment for steaming
Method:
If using traditional banana leaves, these should be passed a few times over the fire to soften them. Run a sharp knife down the midrib of the leaf and take out the thickest part. Cut the leaves into thirds and rinse with water (outside Africa, prepared banana leaves can be bought in most Asian supermarkets).
Peel the bananas, chop roughly then pound to a smooth paste in a mortar. Work in enough of the mealie-meal to give you a dough-like consistency. Shape the dough into patties (think hamburger-sized) then arrange each dough patty in a banana leaf.
Fold the sides over the dough then wrap the banana leaves around the dough and tie securely with string.
Stack the banana leaf parcels in a metal steamer basket. Sit over a large pan of boiling water. Place an inverted lid over the top and pile hot coals over this.
Cook for about 30 minutes. If the dough is spongy and bread like, then it is done.
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