Irio aka Mukimo

Back in the early 2000s, I went to Nairobi, Kenya. I was there as a liaison for a potential commercial investment. I spent ten days over there, attending meetings, but also exploring the city 🚗 and its surroundings. It was truly a cultural shock!
 
During my stay, they assigned me one of their secretaries. The first restaurant she took me to was “Carnivore”. Its setting was rustic with outdoor tables in a lush tropical garden. I had exotic game such as camel, crocodile 🐊, impala, wildebeest, etc.
 
As interesting as it was, I wanted to experience authentic Kenyan food 🥘. The following night, Carmen, my assigned personal secretary, took me to her favorite local spot. I had Nyama, which is grilled beef, alongside mashed potatoes called Irio aka Mukimo!
 
This side dish is so tasty! It’s more than just potatoes; it’s a beautiful mix of vegetables! It has corn kernels 🌽, green peas, and spinach, plus seasonings. It’s a delicious balance of sweetness and hearty flavors. This is a great comfort food that goes well with meat and fish, as well as stews.
 
My version of Irio aka Mukimo differs from the one I had in Kenya. First, I begin by boiling the potatoes 🥔 for 15 minutes. I use Yukon Gold, although russet is a good substitute. Just before they’re done, I add a can of corn kernels and frozen peas. When the mixture comes back to a boil, I restart the timer.
 
When the cooking time is up, I throw some chopped baby spinach leaves 🍃 into the pot, and cook for just 1 minute. Kale is another option. I drain the water, roughly mash the ingredients, add some butter, mash again, and then add the seasonings.
 
This is where I differ from their traditional recipe…
Instead of using plain salt 🧂, I use garlic salt! Adding a little gives a subtle dimension to the starchy dish. Another ingredient that is totally not Kenyan is green onions. They provide a nice flavor, cut through the heaviness of the mash, and make the side visually more appealing.
 
This Irio aka Mukimo is a delicious Kenyan staple recipe! It’s a satisfying comfort food that pairs so well with grilled meat, fish 🐟, or even stews. This nutritious side dish is definitely a delightful change from your everyday mashed potatoes!
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Here are several more African-inspired recipes for you to enjoy… 😀
– West African Peanut Stew • Maafe
– Bobotie
– Jollof Rice
– Peri Peri Chicken
– Moroccan Zaalouk
– Bunny Chow
– Moroccan Kefta Tajine
– Hawawshi
– Ethiopian Red Pepper Sauce
and for even more African recipes 🌍, click on this link… Recipe Category • African Cuisine
 

 
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Irio aka Mukimo

Easy to make, this Irio aka Mukimo is a colorful and tasty African side dish that complements many proteins.

5 from 10 votes

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Servings 4

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Passive Time 0 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp. coarse sea salt
• 2 ½ lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (341 ml/12 oz.) corn kernels, drained (susbtitute 1 ½ cups fresh)
• 1 ½ cups frozen peas
• 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves, chopped tips & tricks
• 2 to 3 tbsp. butter, room temperature
• ½ tsp. garlic salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp. freshly ground mixed peppercorns, or to taste
• 1 large green onion, sliced

Directions

 

• In a large pot, add coarse sea salt, and potatoes; cover with cold water. Place the lid on, and bring it to a boil; cook for 15 minutes.
• Four minutes before the end of cooking, stop the timer and add corn kernels and frozen green peas; stir well.
• When the mixture starts boiling again, restart the timer for the remaining 4 minutes.
• Add chopped baby spinach leaves, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
• Drain the water out of the pot, roughly mash the ingredients before adding butter; mash until the consistency is nice and smooth.
• Season with garlic salt and freshly ground mixed peppercorns; mash again.
• Stir in green onions, and taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately.

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