Traditional Makaka Recipe: A Taste of Cameroon

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of cooked white rice
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 can of tomato sauce (8 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup of stuffed green olives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of raisins
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, chopped green olives, and raisins. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the cooked white rice according to the package instructions.
  6. Once the beef mixture has simmered, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
  7. Serve the beef mixture over the cooked white rice. Enjoy your Makaka!

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be used to stir and flip the ground beef while cooking.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to finely chop the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is required to safely chop the vegetables.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the rice, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be used to measure the salt, black pepper, cumin, and other spices.
  • Can opener - A can opener is required to open the can of tomato sauce.
  • Cover or lid - A cover or lid is needed to cover the skillet while the beef mixture simmers.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder for some extra heat.
  • Replace the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
  • Experiment with different spices like paprika, oregano, or turmeric to customize the flavor profile.
  • Add grated cheese on top of the beef mixture before serving for a cheesy twist.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the tomato sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular flour.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Makaka recipe page! This delightful dish is rich in flavors and textures, with the warm, hearty ground beef perfectly complemented by the sweet burst of raisins, savory olives, and fresh cilantro. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, Makaka is a satisfying meal that's sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. This recipe is fairly simple to follow and doesn't require any special cooking skills, making it a great choice for both new and experienced cooks. So, let's get started and bring the taste of Makaka to your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
  2. Yes, you can definitely use brown rice instead of white rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the brown rice package.
  3. Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
  4. Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
  5. Can I omit the raisins or olives?
  6. Yes, you can omit the raisins or olives if you prefer. These ingredients add a unique flavor to the dish, but if you're not a fan, feel free to leave them out or substitute with ingredients you enjoy.
  7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
  8. Yes, Makaka freezes well! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  9. Is Makaka spicy?
  10. No, Makaka is not typically spicy. However, if you prefer a spicier version, you can add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the beef mixture.
  • Knife - A knife is required to finely chop the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula is helpful for stirring and handling the beef mixture.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and cumin.
  • Can opener - A can opener is required to open the can of tomato sauce.
  • Cover or lid - A cover or lid is necessary to simmer the beef mixture.
  • Serving bowls - Serving bowls are needed to serve the Makaka.

Origin stories

Makaka, despite its exotic sounding name, is not a dish rooted in any particular culture or cuisine. The recipe provided here seems to be a hybrid of various culinary influences, bearing a striking resemblance to the Cuban Picadillo with its mixture of ground beef, olives, and raisins. The name Makaka does not have a clear origin or meaning in any language, which only adds to the intrigue of this dish. Its blend of sweet and savory flavors, typical of many Latin American dishes, suggests a fusion of New World and Old World ingredients, much like the multicultural societies of the Caribbean and Central America. The use of rice as a base is a common feature in many cuisines around the world, demonstrating the universal appeal of this humble grain. Enjoying a plate of Makaka might just be like taking a culinary journey around the world, no passport required.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.