Easy and Delicious Spicy Githeri Recipe

What is githeri?

Spicy githeri is a traditional Kenyan dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the country. It’s a hearty and flavorful stew made primarily with maize (corn) and beans, simmered with a blend of aromatic spices to add a delightful kick to the dish. Githeri in English is equivalent to succotash.

Githeri itself is a staple food in Kenya, often prepared with a mix of maize and beans cooked together until tender. The addition of spicy elements like chili powder, paprika, and cumin elevates the dish, creating a tantalizing flavor profile.

This dish represents not just a meal but also a part of Kenyan culture and heritage. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to other Kenyan specialties. The blend of spices adds depth and warmth, making it a satisfying and comforting meal, especially during colder seasons.

The preparation of spicy githeri often involves soaking the maize and beans beforehand, then cooking them until tender. The spices, along with onions, tomatoes, and garlic, are sautéed separately before being combined with the cooked maize and beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

How to make spicy githeri

Easy and Delicious Spicy Githeri Recipe

Recipe by GladysCourse: Main mealCuisine: African, KenyanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

6

hours 

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

6

hours 

40

minutes

Here is a step-by-step by step guide on how to prepare spicy Kenyan githeri.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of maize (corn)

• 1 cup of beans (you can use any variety you prefer)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon of paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)

• Salt to taste

• Chopped fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Soak the maize and beans separately in water overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
• After soaking, drain the water from both the maize and beans. In a large pot, add the maize and beans, then cover them with water and cook until they are tender. This can take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Drain any excess water and set aside. You can also cook your githeri in a pressure cooker.
• In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to fry for a minute
• Add the diced onions and sauté until light brown.
• Stir in the ground garlic and cook for another minute until ambroisial
• Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and with a creamy texture.
• Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the paprika, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Combine the cooked maize and beans with the tomato mixture in the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with chopped fresh coriander before serving.

How to store spicy githeri

1. Cool Down: Allow the githeri to cool to room temperature before storing it. Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise its internal temperature and affect other items in the fridge.
2. Refrigeration: Transfer the githeri into airtight containers or resealable bags. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before storing. Store the githeri in the refrigerator and use it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
3. Freezing: Githeri freezes well. If you intend to keep it longer, portion it into suitable freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Githeri can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thawing and Reheating: When ready to use frozen githeri, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Reheat the githeri gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.