Maize with green pigeon pea (githeri ya mbaazi) is a traditional dish mostly relished by the Kamba people in Kenya. This dish is also popular in other East African communities. Githeri itself (a mixture and maize and beans) is a traditional Kenyan dish known for it’s simplicity and nourishment. Maize and pigeon pea is made by mixing green/young maize or corn with green pigeon peas (nzuu). Pigeon peas, known as “nzuu” in kambaland in Kenya, are legumes that bring a delightful twist to the traditional Kenyan githeri recipe. They can be used when mature and green or when dry. Adding pigeon peas to the githeri introduces a unique taste and enhances its nutritional value. This is because the peas are packed with carbs, vitamins and minerals, protein and fiber.
Health benefits of green maize with pigeon peas
Pigeon peas whether green or dry are a versatile legume that bring a delightful twist to the traditional githeri recipe. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, protein and dietary fiber. Compared to other legumes, pigeon peas have a considerable amount of proteins. besides, they have a high amount of fiber. Fiber helps in digestion, promotes are feeling of fullness and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Green pigeon pea is said to have more nutrient than a dried pigeon pea. It is also easy to digest.
The high amount of plant-based protein available in pigeon peas provide essential amino acids which aid in the formation of tissues, muscles, cells, and bones thus helping in general well being of the body. Riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B available in pigeon peas prevent the unnecessary storage of fat thereby boosting your energy levels and enhancing your carbohydrate metabolism.
Green maize (corn) also provides carbohydrates, dietary fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. It’s fresh, immature or mature corn that has not dried up. It has a low-fat high carbohydrate with a high fiber content. Vitamins and minerals available in green maize include vitamin C, B6 and B9 (folate). The minerals include Potassium, Magnesium and Phosphorus.
Ingredients required to make green maize with green pigeon pea recipe
For a serving of four people, here are the ingredients that you will require to make this green maize with green pigeon pea:
- 3 fresh maize (corn) cobs. This will yield 2 cups of green maize
- 3 cups green pigeon peas
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 2 pieces spring onions (scallions)
- Seasonings: chilli, paprika, curry powder, coriander, cumin
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil
- Water
- Fresh parsley to garnish
- Spinach (optional)
How to make green maize with green pigeon peas
To prepare green maize with green pigeon peas, here is a step by step guide that you should follow:
Step1: Prepare the ingredients
- Remove the maize from the cobs and wash the maize and green pigeon pea
- Mix the maize and the peas.
Step 2: Cook the mixture
- In a large pot, add the mixture of maize and peas and enough water to cover the mixture.
- Bring to a boil on a high heat then reduce to medium low heat and let simmer for about 40 minutes or until they are tender. Make sure to check occasionally and add more water if needed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside. At this point, the dish can be served and eaten as is but if you need more flavor, move to step 3.
Step 3: Fry the boiled mixture
- In a large skillet or cooking pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat and add chopped onion. sauté the onions until translucent.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes then cook while covered on a medium low heat, about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are well cooked. Add salt to taste and spices then stir to incorporate with the tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the boiled maize mixture and stir to incorporate with the tomato mixture. Add water as desired and simmer for 5 minutes. Add chopped spinach (optional) and spring onions. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and garnish with finely chopped parsley for burst for flavor and freshness.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
- Green maize with green pigeon pea is served as a main dish though it can also be served as a side dish. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniment like wholemeal unleavened flatbread or jollof rice. You can also serve with salad to make the dish a complete meal.
Some useful tips when making green maize with green pigeon pea
- Avoid overcooking the maize and peas when boiling them. Make sure to check the texture periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If you it spicier dish, increase the amount of spices that you use. Taste the dish as you season it to achieve the desired flavor.
- For a flavorful dish, simmer as you cook to allow infusion of the flavors into the maize and peas. Allow the mixture of green maize, green pigeon peas, and seasonings to simmer together on low heat to help the flavors to blend.
- Balance the water to avoid the dish from becoming too watery or too dry.
- To create a dish that you will love, try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and additional ingredients to create unique dish of green maize and green pigeon peas.
Other similar recipes
- How to make Kenyan Ugali (cornmeal)
- Easy and Delicious Kenyan Beef Pilau (Pilaf)
- Fried muthokoi (de-husked maize) with beans: A Kenyan Cuisine
- Easy stewed potatoes and arrowroots
Green maize with green pigeon pea (Githeri)
Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker Optional
Ingredients
- 3 corns green
- 3 cups green pigeon peas fresh
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 pieces spring onions diced
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ pound baby spinach optional
- parsley fresh, diced
- salt to taste
- cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare
- Remove the maize from the cobs and wash the maize and green pigeon peas
- Mix the maize and the peas.
Step 2: Boil
- In a large pot, add the mixture of maize and peas and enough water to cover the mixture.
- Bring to a boil on a high heat then reduce to medium low heat and let simmer for about 1 hour or until they are tender. Make sure to check occasionally and add more water if needed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside. At this point, the dish can be served and eaten as is but if you need more flavor, move to step 3.
Step 3: Fry
- In a large skillet or cooking pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat and add chopped onion. sauté the onion until translucent
- Add finely chopped tomatoes then cook while covered on a medium low heat, about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are well cooked.
- Add salt to taste and spices then stir to incorporate with the tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the boiled maize mixture and stir to incorporate into the tomato mixture. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add water as desired and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Add chopped spinach (optional) and spring onions (the green part).
- Remove from the heat and garnish with finely chopped parsley for burst of flavor and freshness.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot with you favorite accompaniment. You can also serve with salad to make the dish a complete meal or serve as the main dish as is.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the maize and peas when boiling them. Make sure to check the texture periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If you like it spicier, increase the amount of spices that you use. Taste the dish as you season it to achieve the desired flavor.
- For a flavorful dish, simmer as you cook to allow infusion of the flavors into the maize and peas. Allow the mixture of green maize, green pigeon peas, and seasonings to simmer together on low heat to help the flavors to blend.
- Balance the water to avoid the dish from becoming too watery or too dry.
- To create a dish that you will love, try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and additional ingredients to create unique dish of green maize and green pigeon peas.
