Kenyan Mukimo with Greens
Mukimo is a traditional Kenyan dish made from mashed potatoes, maize, and greens, often served as a staple accompaniment to meat or stews. This version emphasizes a generous portion of leafy greens for added nutrition and flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and quartered)
- 2 cups Corn kernels(fresh or frozen)
- 300 g Spinach(washed and roughly chopped)
- 200 g Kale (e.g., Sukuma Wiki)(washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
In a separate pot, cook the corn kernels in lightly salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
While potatoes and corn are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Add the chopped spinach and kale to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 6
In a large bowl, combine the boiled potatoes, cooked corn, and sautéed greens with onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Mash the ingredients together using a potato masher or a fork until well combined and a coarse mash is formed. Do not over-mash; some texture is desirable.
💡 Tip: For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender briefly, but be careful not to make it too smooth. - 8
Serve hot as a side dish with grilled meats, stews, or fish.
💡 Tip: Mukimo is best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your greens are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
- ✓Adjust the ratio of potatoes, corn, and greens to your preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter or ghee when mashing.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked beans (like kidney beans or black beans) to the mash for extra protein and texture.
- Incorporate other vegetables like peas or pumpkin leaves.
- For a spicy kick, add a finely chopped green chili pepper with the onions.