Currently Browsing: African
Mawe Tatu Cake (Cake without an Oven)
There’s just something special about cake that is baked in the jiko. This mawe tatu cake is so easy to make and the perfect recipe for those who don’t have an oven. Mawe tatu stands for 3 stones however, feel free to use sand instead of stones to bake the cake.
Spicy Mashed Matoke (Plantains)
Mashed potatoes are a common side dish with grilled chicken or a fish. Why not change it up a little and make this Spicy Mashed Plantains. So delicious!
Easy Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani is a beautifully flavoured rice dish that is often layered with a spiced chicken/mutton/beef/vegetarian gravy and rice that is infused with whole spices. Traditionally, a chicken biryani involves a lot of steps including marinating the meat, frying the vegetables for layering, loads of coriander and mint leaves, fried eggs, saffron milk etc. My version is a simplified recipe that gives you those exquisite flavours.
Serve with some plain yoghurt and lemon pickle or kachumbari.
Kenyan Mutton Kebabs- Restaurant Style
There’s something special about Kenyan Mutton Kebabs and it has to do with the egg coating. These are a street food staple all across East Africa and a great snack for parties. I have used minced mutton for this recipe but feel free to use any other types of minced meat. I also used curry powder to keep the flavours simple but you can add any other herbs and spices that you may like.
Chicken Koroga
“Koroga” is a Swahili word that means “stir” and is very popular amongst Kenyans during the weekends. It is often done under “Banda’s” which mean “huts” and one is provided with a jiko (clay stove), large sufurias (pots), vegetables or meats and a range of spices along with any extra condiments. My chicken koroga is a home made version of the same that is cooked with a range of aromatic spices and good cuts of chicken. You can also add some yoghurt or cream to the gravy to make it richer. Serve the chicken koroga with hot chapatis or jeera rice.
Crispy Kenyan Maru Bhajia’s
Maru Bhajia’s are an extremely popular snack in East Africa, especially in Kenya. Bhajia’s can generally be made with a wide range of vegetables including onions, fenugreek leaves, aubergines etc and even with fish. My version includes the use of rice to make them super crispy. I serve the bhajia’s with a tomato chutney and it often also served with “khatu” which is a sweet and sour tamarind sauce. If you’d like to omit the rice, mix all the ingredients with the sliced potatoes without using any water and fry.
Coconut & Green Beans Chicken Rice
This is the definition of comfort food. You just can’t go wrong with chicken, coconut, green beans and rice in one dish. This dish is so simple to make and beats any take out in the world. Healthy, nutritious and packed with flavour!
African Chicken & Peanut Stew
Who doesn’t like chicken and who doesn’t like peanut butter? Well, atleast for me, the combination of the two is my favourite. This African Chicken & Peanut Stew, a specialty in West Africa, is packed with flavour. A sprinkle of roasted and roughly chopped peanuts for garnish gives it a crunch. Pair this dish with some steamed Basmati Rice for a complete dinner.
Home-made Roasted Peanuts (Njugu Karanga)
This style of roasted peanuts is an industry trick that my Mother shared with me. She owns a Food Industry where she produces all sorts of snacks and this is one of her best selling products. Roasting the peanuts in salt makes sure they are evenly roasted, don’t get burnt and get a nice salty layer. These salty roasted peanuts are the perfect companion with a cold glass of beer or whisky on the rocks.
Beef Pilau
This beef pilau recipe is one that you will get right every single time you make it. The aroma from this dish is inviting and warming, and it is an extremely popular Kenyan dish. Most pilau’s often have the same method of preparing the base, so once you get that right, you have mastered the art of making any type of pilau.