Githeri
Githeri (also spelled githere, mutheri, or muthere) is a traditional Kenyan dish made by boiling maize and beans together until tender. It is especially associated with the Kikuyu, Meru, Embu, and other communities in Kenya, although it is enjoyed throughout the country. The dish is valued for being filling, nutritious, affordable, and easy to prepare. Githeri is commonly eaten as a simple home meal, but many modern versions include vegetables, spices, potatoes, or meat for extra flavour. It is often served on its own or alongside ugali, chapati, bread, or fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried maize kernels or fresh maize
- 2 cups dried beans (kidney beans, red beans, or mixed beans)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 carrot, diced (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder or turmeric (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Ingredients for 5 servings (1.1 kg) · the original recipe
Method
- 1
Wash the maize and beans thoroughly. If using dried maize and beans, soak them overnight in separate bowls of water.
- 2
Drain the soaked maize and beans and place them in a large pot.
- 3
Add enough water to cover the mixture and boil until both the maize and beans become soft. This may take 1–2 hours depending on the type used.
Stovetop - 4
In another pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Stovetop - 5
Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and lightly golden.
- 6
Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook for several minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- 7
Add curry powder or turmeric if desired.
- 8
Add the cooked maize and beans to the vegetable mixture and stir well.
- 9
Season with salt and simmer for 10–15 minutes, adding a little water if necessary.
Stovetop - 10
Serve hot.
Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.
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