Githeri: maize and beans with greens

Githeri is a Kenyan favourite: whole maize and beans cooked together. With vegetables added it is a filling, plant-based meal full of fibre and protein. Serves 6.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried maize (or 4 cups cooked)
• 2 cups dried beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cups cooked)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups sukuma wiki or spinach, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• A handful of dhania (coriander), chopped

Method

1. Boil the maize and soaked beans together in plenty of water until both are soft, about 2 to 3 hours (about 45 minutes in a pressure cooker). Drain, keeping a cup of the cooking water.
2. Warm the oil in a large pan and cook the onion gently until soft and golden. Add the garlic for one minute.
3. Add the tomatoes and carrots with a little salt. Cook until the tomatoes break down into a sauce, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in the maize and beans with a little of the cooking water. Simmer for 10 minutes so the flavours mix.
5. Add the greens and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until just tender and still green. Taste, adjust the salt and finish with dhania.

Tip: cook a big pot of maize and beans once, then keep it in the fridge for quick meals during the week.