Simple African Mukimo (Irio)
Mukimo (Irio) is a Central Kenya delicacy mainly prepared by mashing potatoes, green peas and green leafy vegetables like pumpkin leaves. It may also include dried maize or green maize or sweet corn and beans. Mukimo/irio can be served as a main meal or a side for any meat stew or/and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg potatoes
- Water
- 1/2 kg green peas, pre-boiled
- 4 green maize, pre-boiled*
- 1 cup cooked & pureed pumpkin leaves*
- 2 bunches green onion or red onions, diced
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place your peeled potatoes in a cooking pot/ sufuria and cover with salted water. Turn on the heat to high till they start boiling. You will know your potatoes are ready once they are fork tender.
- Incase your peas are not preboiled, make sure you boil them separately till done. Same applies to the maize then shell them using a knife.
- Once the potatoes are ready, drain off the excess water and set it aside just incase you need some while mashing.
- Using a food processor or a masher mash the green peas till smooth.
- Start mashing the potatoes using a potato masher or a stand mixer or a hand mixer or a wooden spoon (mwiko). Add in the pureed green peas and the pureed pumpkin leaves. Remember to season with sea salt & black pepper.
- Mash till smooth or to your desired texture/consistency. You can add the drained water as desired to smoothen the mash. Finally add in the green maize and mix well.
- In another sauce pan or sufuria, fry the spring onions or onions in the cooking oil till translucent or just slightly golden brown.
- Add the fried onions into the mukimo and incorporate well.
- Serve while hot with some vegetables of your choice or even some beef or chicken.
Notes
Mukimo wa minji (peas) is the most common type of mukimo in Kenya. It originally came from the central part of Kenya but now enjoyed all over.
The pureed pumpkin leaves can also be substituted with stinging nettle powder.