Satay Banana Rice Bowl

Inspired by East African culinary traditions, this recipe combines the sweet, earthy flavors of banana with the spicy richness of saté sauce, all cooked in a brick for an infused steaming effect. Served with green beans and rice, it's a vibrant dish that celebrates the fusion of flavors and cooking techniques.

Ingredients:

• Green beans, trimmed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• Hot spices (optional)
• 1 cooking banana (plantain)
• Saté sauce (or peanut sauce)
• Rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Soak the top of the cooking brick in water to prepare for steaming. Also soak the banana pot if using.
   • In the bottom part of the brick, arrange the green beans, sliced onion, and red pepper strips. Drizzle with a tiny bit of oil and season with salt, pepper, and optional hot spices to taste.
     
     

2. Steam the Banana:

   • Prepare the cooking banana in the manner that suits you best, using either a roemertopf banana pot or the steaming effect of the soaked cooking brick. Optionally, you can add the banana directly to the beans to mix the flavors.
     
     

3. Cooking:

   • Preheat the oven to 230°C (446°F).
   • Place the brick in the oven and begin cooking plain rice separately.
   • After about 20 minutes, briefly remove the cooking brick from the oven and add saté sauce on top of the beans.
   • Return the brick to the oven and continue cooking for up to an additional 20 minutes, or until everything is thoroughly cooked and flavorful.
     
     

4. Serving:

   • By the time the rice and cooking brick are ready, the steamed banana should also be done.
   • Serve the rice in the top part of the cooking brick along with the beans and banana. Arrange everything to your liking for a visually appealing presentation that minimizes dishes.

Cultural Note: This dish is a nod to East African food culture, incorporating ingredients like banana and saté sauce, which are staples in many East African dishes. Enjoy this celebratory meal inspired by the flavors and hospitality of East Africa.