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Githeri: photo of the dish
Illustrative photo: Mukuba — CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Everyday meals

Githeri

Githeri is a hearty one-pot dish of maize and beans simmered together, eaten at any time of day in Kenyan homes. Rustic, filling and economical, its texture is soft and slightly floury.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

On the side

Instructions

  1. The night before, soak the maize and beans separately in cold water.
  2. Drain, then put them in a large pot with fresh water and cover. Bring to the boil, then cook over medium heat for 1 hour 30 to 2 hours, until the maize has burst open and the beans crush easily between your fingers.
  3. Meanwhile, finely chop the onions, tomatoes, garlic and chilli.
  4. In a frying pan, heat the oil and fry the onions for 5 minutes until golden.
  5. Add the garlic, chilli and tomatoes, then cook for 5 minutes, mashing the tomatoes until you have a smooth sauce.
  6. Pour this mixture into the pot with the turmeric and salt, stir and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the githeri thickens.

Variations and tips

Githeri with peanut butter. Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter at the end of cooking for a richer, smoother version.

More ideas

Original Ecomely recipe.