githeri

Next Dish: Jeqe

Githeri, also known as muthere or mutheri, is a traditional Kenyan dish native to the Kikuyu tribe. It is a simple yet nutritious meal made from a mixture of boiled corn and beans, which can be embellished with vegetables, meat, or other spices. The dish is a staple food in Kenya and is often eaten as a main course. Githeri played a crucial role in the survival of many Kenyans during periods of colonisation and urbanisation due to its high nutritional value and affordability.

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of maize (corn)

  • 2 cups of beans

  • 1 large onion

  • 2 large tomatoes

  • 1 bell pepper

  • 2 cloves of garlic

  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 teaspoon of paprika

  • 1 teaspoon of curry powder

  • 2 cups of water


Instructions:

  1. Soak the maize and beans overnight to reduce cooking time.

  2. Rinse the maize and beans, then place them in a large pot. Add water and bring to a boil.

  3. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until they are both soft and well cooked.

  4. While the maize and beans are cooking, chop the onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and garlic.

  5. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

  6. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they are soft and golden brown.

  7. Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute.

  8. Add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper to the pan and stir until they are well mixed.

  9. Add the paprika, curry powder, and salt to the pan and stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.

  10. Once the maize and beans are cooked, drain the water and add them to the pan.

  11. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well mixed and the maize and beans are coated with the spices.

  12. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

  13. Serve your Githeri hot, you can serve it with chapati or enjoy it on its own.