Maharage ya Nazi (Tanzanian Beans in Coconut Milk)
Local name: Maharage ya nazi
In short: Red kidney beans simmered until soft, then finished in coconut milk with tomato, onion and cumin for a thick, mild sauce to eat with rice or ugali. It takes about 1 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 1 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 395 kcal
Maharage ya nazi are red beans simmered in coconut milk, a comforting coastal dish served over rice, or with ugali or chapati. The beans cook until soft, then the coconut milk goes in with tomato, onion and a little cumin to make a thick, mildly spiced sauce. It is inexpensive, filling and entirely plant-based. Soak the beans overnight, and always boil dried kidney beans hard for at least 10 minutes.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans and put them in a pot with the fresh water. Bring to a hard boil and boil for 10 minutes, then lower the heat and simmer partly covered for 50 to 60 minutes until nearly tender.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomatoes, cumin and turmeric and cook for 6 minutes until the tomatoes have broken down into a thick paste.
- Add the tomato mixture and salt to the beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Mash a few spoonfuls of beans against the pot to thicken the sauce.
- Stir in the lime juice, taste and adjust the salt. Scatter with cilantro and serve with rice, chapati or ugali.
Tips
- Short on time? Use three 400 g (14 oz) cans of kidney beans, drained, and simmer them in the sauce with 250 ml (1 cup) water for 15 minutes.
- Add a slit green chili for gentle heat, or a pinch of ground cardamom for a coastal flavor.
Questions and answers
Why must kidney beans be boiled hard?
Raw and undercooked kidney beans contain a natural toxin that causes stomach upset. A rolling boil for 10 minutes destroys it, and canned beans are already safely cooked.
Can I freeze maharage ya nazi?
Yes, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of water, since the sauce thickens when chilled.
What can I serve it with?
Plain rice and chapati are the usual partners. It also goes well with ugali, fried plantains and a fresh kachumbari salad.
How long does it take to make Maharage ya Nazi (Tanzanian Beans in Coconut Milk)?
About 1 h 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Maharage ya Nazi (Tanzanian Beans in Coconut Milk)?
About 395 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 395 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 11 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 590 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
