Classic Katogo: Irish Potatoes, Yams and Sweet Potatoes with Beans

November 10, 2015November 9, 2015 ~ Sophie ~ 10 Comments

If ever there is a list of comfort foods here in Uganda, katogo must be first on that list. Katogo basically means adding whatever ingredients available in a sauce pan and putting them on a stove until everything is cooked. It is that simple. Aside from the tedious task of peeling the potatoes and yams before hand, katogo is the kind of comfort food that is effortless. I decided to combine three tubers; sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes and yams (the purple kind). The tubers give the meal a warm earthy flavor while the beans add richness making it ideal for gloomy weather.

What you will need:

Onions, chopped

Garlic cloves, finely chopped

Tomatoes, chopped

Yams, halved

Sweet potatoes, halved

Irish potatoes, halved

Beans, boiled

Green onion(as garnish), finely chopped

Cooking oil

Chilli oil, a few drops

Curry powder

Salt

Method

On high fire, Add cooking oil to the a sauce pan and let it get hot. Add the garlic and onions and wait for them to become translucent. Add the tomatoes, chilli oil, curry powder and salt and stir. Add the Irish potatoes first, then the yams and then the sweet potatoes. Top with the beans and cover pan for about 10 minutes. Add half a glass of water and stir so that the beans are evenly distributed. Let the Katogo cook till the Irish potatoes are soft and tender. Remove from fire and serve warm.

To make a soupy katogo, add more water. I did not put any specific measurements to the ingredients because when making katogo, we don’t measure. Instincts are used depending on how many people are to be cooked for. Clearly I was cooking for a full house and thus the large tray.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this katogo because it is comfort food and the weather allows so. Also, what are your favorite katogo ingredients?

Have a great week.

🙂

Sophie

Chilled Pineapple Juice

October 13, 2015October 13, 2015 ~ Sophie ~ 5 Comments

I think it is pineapple season. The reason I say so is because somehow they are easier to find and a little bit cheaper. With the scorching sun that is hitting us these days (right before massive downpours), I thought it is time to step up my game of making fruit drinks. Do you love experimenting with fruit drinks? What are your favorite combos? This one is as simple as having a blended pineapple, some lemons and sugar really. As simple as it is, it really is refreshing because the secret is chilling well before serving.

What you will need:

1 Large pineapple

5 Lemons

Water

Sugar Method

Wash all the fruit and set aside. Using a sharp knife, peel the pineapple and core it then cut it into pieces. Put the pineapple pieces in the blender and add water. Blend till smooth(without any chunks). Sieve the juice to remove tiny pieces of pineapple. Add sugar and stir till dissolved. Squeeze four lemons in the pineapple juice(make sure the lemon juice is sieved). Chill the juice. When ready to serve, cut the remaining lemon into thin slices, insert them into glasses, add ice cubes and then the juice. Serve.

Observations:

I did not put any specific measurements to the water and sugar because I believe we all have varied preferences. If you want the juice slightly sweeter and more concentrated, add less water and more sugar and if you want it a little lighter in taste and sweetness, add more water and less sugar.
The lemon juice enhances the flavor while the slices are garnish.

I hope by this you will be able to conquer the heat. Plus you can easily double (and triple even) the recipe to serve guests.

🙂

Sophie

20 Independence Day Recipes You Should Try

September 28, 2015September 29, 2015 ~ Sophie ~ 4 Comments

October 9 I Have exciting news for you! 9th of October is around the corner! But first, how did September treat you? I hope well! Independence Day is approaching real soon! What are your plans? I don’t know yet but I am sure te day will be chaotic almost everywhere! I plan to spend my time cooking and hanging out. So while you are thinking of what to do, let me give you a head start with these 20 mouth-watering dishes you should be making! Click on the images to get recipes.