Mukimo (Kenyan Mashed Potatoes with Greens and Maize)
In short: Mashed potatoes folded with green peas, corn kernels and wilted greens, a Kikuyu side dish served with stews and grilled meat. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 275 kcal
Mukimo is a comfort dish from the Kikuyu community of Kenya's central highlands: potatoes mashed together with maize kernels, peas and leafy greens until the whole pot turns pale green and chunky. Traditionally the greens are pumpkin leaves, but spinach works well. It is served at celebrations and family dinners beside nyama choma or a beef stew, and it is a good way to get children to eat their vegetables.
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender, adding the peas and corn for the last 5 minutes. Drain, saving 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the cooking water.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan and cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add the greens and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted. Spinach needs only 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the potatoes, peas and corn to the pot and add the onion and greens.
- Mash coarsely with a potato masher, adding the reserved water a little at a time for a soft, chunky mash.
- Season with the salt and pepper and mix until evenly green. Serve hot.
Tips
- Leave the mash a little lumpy. Whole corn kernels and pea pieces are part of the texture, so do not use a blender or electric mixer.
- Pumpkin leaves are traditional, but kale or collard greens also work if sliced thin and cooked a few minutes longer.
Questions and answers
What is mukimo served with?
Nyama choma, beef stew, fried fish or sukuma wiki. It is also eaten on its own as a filling vegetarian meal.
Can I make mukimo ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan with a splash of water, stirring until hot.
Is mukimo the same as irio?
They are close relatives. Both mash potatoes with maize and vegetables, and the names and recipes vary by family and region.
How long does it take to make Mukimo (Kenyan Mashed Potatoes with Greens and Maize)?
About 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mukimo (Kenyan Mashed Potatoes with Greens and Maize)?
About 275 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 44 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 275 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
