Chimbama/Mkate

Ingredients

 * 15 very ripe bananas, peeled
 * 1 to 2 cups ufa (preferably ngaiwa—see the nsima recipe above for an explanation)
 * banana leaves

Directions

 * 1) Take banana leaves and pass them over a fire. This makes them pliable.
 * 2) Run a knife down the spine of the leaf, trimming off the thick part.
 * 3) Cut them into thirds and rinse in water.
 * 4) Pound bananas with a mortar and pestle.
 * 5) Pound in enough ufa to make a dough.
 * 6) Place about a hamburger patty-sized amount of dough on each third of the banana leaf.
 * 7) Completely wrap dough up with the leaf.
 * 8) Place bundles in a pot vertically (do not pile too high) with enough water to cover the bottom.
 * 9) Cover and place on a fire. Place more coals on the lid.
 * 10) Check after 20 to 30 minutes. The dough should be bread-like inside.