Tasty Kenyan Mukimo Recipe

Mukimo is a classic Kenyan dish (the name literally means 'mash') originating with the Kikuyu tribe of Kenya. The dish is an accompaniment, typically made from a blend of potatoes, green peas and pumpkin leaves. Sometimes fresh sweet corn is also added. It’s often served as a side dish, and it appears on the table at all major family and community celebrations. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Kenyan version of: Potato and Pumpkin Mash (Mukimo)

Ingredients

• 2 cups of maize off the cob

• 6 medium sized potatoes

• 2 cups green peas

• A bunch of kahurura (pumpkin leaves)

• Salt to taste

• 50 g butter or Margarine (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the kahurura by breaking off the stalk. Make sure they are the soft young leaves because they won’t be stringy.

2. Put the peas, potatoes and maize in the pot all at once. Cook the potatoes whole do not chop them up.

3. Add just enough water to cover the contents in the pot.

4. Place the pumpkin leaves on top of the dish and cover it up with the lid.

5. Cook over medium heat for about 40 minutes. During this time, do not be tempted to stir the food.

6. Drain the excess water; add salt to taste and butter. (I prefer adding the salt at this point because I can taste the food as I progress).

7. Mash it using a wooden spoon. Do not use a potato grinder because it will break up the maize kernels.

8. Serve it with stew of your choice. Most people serve it with either beef stew or chicken stew. In most ceremonies, kachumbari (salsa) and Nyama Choma (Roasted Meat) normally accompany it.