Recipe : Irio, Kenyan Style
Irio, Kenyan Style is an easy to make, delicious, Kenyan staple side dish. Pronounced as eee-ree-yo, it is usually made with some potatoes, peas and fresh greens. No fancy ingredients are required for this version of mash. It is usually served with stew, grilled meat or fish. As for me, I love to have it on its own or with some curry like the Green Moong one.
A Bit About Kenyan Cuisine
Though Kenya falls in the Savannah region, many parts of the country grow a rich variety of fruits and vegetables that provide the people of the area with their basic requirements of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. Colonization by the Portuguese and then the British Empire and the influx of Indians and Arabs has added variety to the basic dishes prepared in many parts of Kenya. The coast is well known for using coconut milk in most of their dishes, the highlands use lots of potatoes and areas around Lake Victoria use a lot of fish and cassava. Over the years traditional methods and recipes have given way to new versions and more palatable ones for the younger generation.
Irio, Kenyan Style
Irio is very much a staple for the Kikuyu tribe. Traditionally, red beans, potatoes and and white corn are used.Depending on the season, tender kale would be added. However, with more ingredients available and locally grown, there are so many versions of Irio. Kikuyus are basically farmers. Nowadays many are in different professions but most of them own land/farm back in their villages. Years ago new harvest meant that some of these vegetables and beans were combined to prepare a basic but very nutritious dish called irio. During the dry season, dried beans and maize were added to the mashed potatoes. On special occasions, boiled sweet potato, boiled green bananas, pumpkin leaves, peas, carrots or many other vegetables are added to make it into a dish literally fit for a king.
Sunday Funday Theme
The whole of March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. Stacy, suggested the following “Make and share a recipe from an important, significant woman in any field, not just cooking, and from any era. It can be something they were known to love OR actually cooked themselves. Please tell us how they are inspiring to you and perhaps others”.
Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai is the woman I’m celebrating for this theme. She was the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner, environmentalist and human rights activist from Kenya. Also known as the Woman Of Trees, she inspires not only me but many Kenyans to grow more trees. The Green Belt Movement started by Wangari Maathai is still been carried out by many smaller organizations. It was started as a way to empower communities, particularly women, to conserve and improve livelihoods.
Her struggle in the mainly male dominated political scene in Kenya, has been difficult but she persevered. During her lifetime she helped women from different parts of Africa to plant 30 million trees on their farms, school and church compounds. She was the first African woman and the first environmentalist to receive a Nobel Prize, and the first Eastern African woman to receive a PhD. Born in Nyeri County, the Highlands of Kenya, Wangari went to a mission school for her primary education. Growing up in the countryside, environment was always her passion.
Her quote I like the most “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope.” ―
How Does She Inspire Me And So Many Other Women?
Wangari Maathai fought for women’s rights. She empowered them with skills to run their homes. Her husband divorced her in 1977 claiming that she was too strong-minded as a woman and it was difficult to control her. She inspires women to follow their path and passion. For me she is a hero as she advocated the planting of trees which I try and do whenever possible.
Irio And Wangari Maathai
So are you still wondering what the connection is between Irio and Wangari Maathai? Well, she was from the Kikuyu Community. And she definitely must have prepared this simple but nutritious dish many a times for her family. Professor Maathai is quoted as saying that irio always reminded her of the earth. Irio in the Kikuyu language means food.
Check Out Whom Members Of Sunday Funday Are Celebrating
- Basil-Dressed Chicken Salad with Tomatoes from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Drumstick Curry in Coconut Sauce – No Onion No Garlic from Sneha’s Recipe
- Irio, Kenyan Style from Mayuri’s Jikoni
- Philly Cheesesteak from Amy’s Cooking Adventures
- Rosalynn Carter’s Baked Cheese Grits from Food Lust People Love
Some More Kenyan Dishes You May Want To Check Out
Ingredients Required For Irio, Kenyan Style
Today I am sharing a basic Irio recipe with you. However feel free to add any other vegetables and flavourings that you may like. For example, to make it into a wholesome meal on its own, I sometimes add fresh pigeon peas, fresh kidney beans, chopped onion, garlic, cassava, and enjoy it topped with some lemon juice and red chilli powder. I mix lemon juice and red chilli powder with melted butter and drizzle it over the cooked irio.
Potatoes – along with potatoes can add cassava (yucca), sweet potato or replace them. Make sure you use potatoes that mash well. I like to use red potatoes. Kenya is well known for its good quality of potatoes.
Peas – fresh or frozen. Can also add fresh or frozen pigeon peas, red kidney beans. I don’t like to use canned beans for this recipe. I prefer either fresh ones or soaked ones.
Corn – I have used cooked yellow corn as I had that in my fridge. You can also use white corn kernels.
Fresh Greens – use spinach, kale, pumpkin leaves, cowpea leaves, collard greens, amaranth leaves, spring onion, etc. Make sure the leaves are fresh and tender.
Butter – salted. For a vegan version, replace the butter with plant based margarine or oil.
Salt – add according to your taste. Remember, that the butter is salted so add accordingly.
Water – normal tap water.
Some Tips:
- If you use fresh corn, either white or yellow, you can cook it with the potatoes and peas.
- If you are using red kidney beans, cook them separately as they take longer to cook. In fact if you use any dried beans for irio, it is best to soak them in warm water overnight. Cook them in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot till done.
Watch How To Make Irio, Kenyan Style
IRIO, KENYAN STYLE
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup peas
- 1 -1¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup sweet corn cooked
- 2 cups spinach
- 2-3 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp pepper powder
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into big chunks.
- Wash and chop the spinach.
- Remove peas from their pods if you are using fresh ones.
- Add the potatoes in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add water. Cover the pan and allow the water to become hot.
- Add the peas and salt. Cover the pan and cook the potatoes and peas till done.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked peas and potatoes into a mixing bowl. Don't add water.
- Add the spinach in the remaining hot water. Cook for 2-3 minutes till it wilts.
- Mash the potatoes and peas.
- Add the cooked spinach and mash more.
- Add the cooked sweet corn, butter and pepper powder. Add more salt if required.
- Mix well and serve it hot.
Notes
- If you use fresh corn, either white or yellow, you can cook it with the potatoes and peas.
- If you are using red kidney beans, cook them separately as they take longer to cook. In fact if you use any dried beans for irio, it is best to soak them in warm water overnight. Cook them in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot till done.
- If the Irio becomes cold, heat it up in a pan over low heat.
- Serve it with some stew, grilled meat or fish. Or enjoy it on its own.
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