GITHERI
Githeri is a one pot traditional Kikuyu dish that is made from beans and white maize (corn). It is a delicious, easy to prepare, protein rich dish which can be enjoyed on its own or with ugali or chapati.
Ingredients
GITHERI SIMPLE:
- 1 cup mixture of boiled beans and white maize kernels
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium tomato finely chopped
- ¾ -1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
GITHERI WITH OTHER VEGETABLES:
- 1 cup mixture of boiled beans and white maize kernels
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic peeled and sliced or minced
- 1 cup cassava /any starchy vegetable peeled and diced
- 1 cup spinach finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh pigeon pea/ peas
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 -2½ cups water
Instructions
PREPARATION OF GITHERI SIMPLE:
- Heat oil in pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and stir fry till it becomes soft.
- Add chopped tomato and salt.
- Mix well. Cover the pan and let the tomatoes cook over low heat till they become soft.
- Mash the tomatoes up a bit with the spoon.
- Add the beans and maize.
- Cover the pan and allow the githeri to cook for 5-10 minutes and most of the water has evaporated.
- Serve with ugali, rice or chapatti.
PREPARATION OF GITHERI WITH OTHER VEGETABLES:
- Heat oil in pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and stir fry till it becomes soft.
- Add garlic and stir fry for a few seconds.
- Add chopped tomato, salt and the spices.
- Mix well. Cover the pan and let the tomatoes cook over low heat till they become soft.
- Mash the tomatoes up a bit with the spoon.
- Add the beans, maize, cassava and pigeon peas.
- Add water and mix well.
- Cover the pan and allow the mixture to simmer till all the vegetables are cooked. If required add more water.
- Cook till most of the water is evaporated.
- Add chopped spinach and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes and serve hot githeri. Its usually eaten on its own.
Notes
- To reduce the cooking time, boil the beans and maize beforehand. Can store them in the freezer.
- As mentioned above you can add your choice of vegetables.
- Add meat or fish of your choice.
- These days its common for busy people to use ready made curry powder.
- I've not added any chillis in the dish. However, if you prefer you can add either fresh green chillis or red chilli powder.
- If you don't find white corn or maize, you can use sweet corn. However, the taste will be a bit different.
- To save time pressure cook the beans and maize.
- I sometimes used canned githeri to save time.