Maharage ya Nazi na Nyama (Beans in Coconut Sauce with Meat)
A rich and savory dish featuring tender beans cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with chunks of meat (beef or lamb). This is a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Kidney beans or black-eyed peas(dried, soaked overnight and boiled until tender, or 2 cans (400g each) drained and rinsed)
- 300 g Beef or lamb(cut into small cubes)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 200 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a small bunch Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried beans, ensure they have been soaked overnight and boiled until tender. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well.
💡 Tip: Boiling dried beans can take 1-2 hours depending on the type. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cumin and coriander seeds and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 7-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add the cubed meat to the pot and brown it on all sides. This will take about 5-8 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 5
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add the chopped tomatoes and turmeric powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and formed a sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 7
Add the cooked beans (or canned beans) to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is very tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 1 hour💡 Tip: The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using full-fat coconut milk will give the best creamy texture.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
- ✓This dish pairs wonderfully with plain rice or chapati.
🔄 Variations
- Add some diced bell peppers or spinach in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like sweet potatoes or plantains.