Author: Kaluhi (Page 20 of 23)

Peas and Red Bell Pepper Fried Rice

March 17, 2015 / Kaluhi / 8 Comments

I love peas. It is one of those meals I can have all day every day with nearly everything. We are really blessed to come from a country where we can find organic fruits and veggies at a really affordable prices, peas being one of them. Hence, when ever I can, I always get myself some. I was walking towards my bus stage one evening and I saw this lady removing peas straight from their pods. Nothing looks fresher and more inviting than that. I stopped and got myself some and decided to make a rice dish with them.

This is a light fried rice dish. It is wholesome very healthy and very warm if I may say. I has this charm that will make where ever you are feel like home. As an addition to our many rice recipes, sample my pea and red bell pepper fried rice.

Taking Stock 4

March 13, 2015 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

Time to take a little breather. Allow myself to reevaluate myself and let you in on my life as we continue on this culinary journey together :). Today: Taking Stock 4

Making: Many more bolder decisions this year. As I have realized the absolute worst that could happen is simply rejection. But with that too, comes a world of experience and know how.

Cooking: A lot of matumbo these days. And loving every bit of it.

Chilli and Garlic Matumbo

March 10, 2015 / Kaluhi / 54 Comments

I do not know exactly why I never liked Matumbo for the better part of my life. Maybe I may have had a nasty matumbo experience when I was a child that led me to absolutely abhor that meal. This all changed last year when I decided to face my fears and had matumbo for the first time in a very long time. And it was the tastiest thing I had tasted in a long time. I then concluded that probably it all comes down to how you cook it, and if it is cooked well, the results are always spectacular!

Matumbo is a swahili word which in this context loosely translates to innards. The western world refers to matumbo as tripe and I was pleased that they too indulge in this delicacy. It is the meat that comes from the stomach of a cow, making it an organ meat. It is cheaper than muscle meats and very nutritious. Today I prepared for you one of my new favorites, with the fabulous flavors of chilli and garlic. The technique I used was very specific so just read on to find out more :). I am so excited about this!!!!!

Hearty Matoke Fries

March 6, 2015 / Kaluhi / 0 Comments

I am always looking for new ways to have my everyday meals. As part of the many existing alternatives of french fries ,my favorite alternative are matoke fries.Matoke (plantain) Fries are an excellent substitute to French Fries. They are more hearty, cook up quickly, are less greasy and more nutritious. Serve these hot and with ketchup or any sauce that you would serve with French Fries. I had mine with my sweet corn and tomato salad. This meal was nothing short of fantastic.

Garlic and Rosemary Unskinned Potato Wedges

March 3, 2015 / Kaluhi / 2 Comments

Do you have one of those days when you feel so lazy to cook, yet you still want to eat something tasty?? This garlic and rosemary unskinned potato wedges recipe was developed while I was in that very state. After a few minutes of brain storming, I came up with this recipe that is both very easy, and very outstanding. At times I enjoy having my potatoes unskinned since they add this deep, earthy flavor which is missing when potatoes are peeled. And because I did not want to spend too much time standing, not peeling the potatoes worked in my favor 🙂

To make this even more fantastic, I added some rosemary, garlic and various other flavors which marvelously complimented these potato wedges. This is a must try!!

Sesame seed and Ginger Scrambled eggs

February 28, 2015 / Kaluhi / 3 Comments

Do you ever wake up and just feel like cooking nice things because the day looks beautiful and has started really well? I do not know if I am the only one who feels this… But on the particular day I made this dish, I woke up feeling really up beat. The sun was shining so bright outside, Ngong hills as seen from our kitchen window looking as majestic as always and the morning air was crisp and clean. The day ahead looked really promising. I decided to make the day even more fantastic by having a very good first meal of the day.

I decided to have scrambled eggs for breakfast, and you know, as usual, these were not just any normal scrambled eggs. I decided to play around with my pantry ingredients and came up with the most delicious scrambled eggs with the most spectacular flavors and amazing textures. Start your day on the right foot with my out-of-the-world sesame seed and ginger scrambled eggs.

Gourmet Coleslaw

February 24, 2015 / Kaluhi / 4 Comments

One of my most memorable childhood memories are those that involve family get-aways and short trips within the country. I particularly fondly remember the times when my parents used to take my sisters and I (sometimes together with my cousins) to a recreation spot deep in the breathtaking Maasai Land called Olooloitikoshi every other Sunday afternoon. As we had been told, olooloitikoshi means “The land of the Zebras” in the Maasai dialect (i stand corrected if that translation is wrong :D), and for us, it was the funnest place on the planet. Immediately after church, we would pass by home, dress down a little, prepare some bitings and leave for the Rift Valley. One of the things that my mommy used to make every single time was some coleslaw. This always made the perfect accompaniment to the tender roast meat and the steamy soft mukimu served by the locals together with all other delicacies we would have at the foot of the Ngong hills.

Today I present to you one of dishes that never never missed our outings,coleslaw, but with a delicious gourmet twist. It goes beyond the basic cabbage and carrot for coleslaw and includes an array of other ingredients that make this more wholesome and 5 star worthy. Read on to know exactly how to make your coleslaw fantastic <3

All-Kenyan Bean Stew

February 20, 2015 / Kaluhi / 32 Comments

In my country, the foods served are pretty stream lined. Kenyans have a very clear idea about what they like to eat all the time, and what they prefer not to have. This can be a really good thing and a really bad thing. One of the many foods that are really popular in Kenyan cuisine are bean stew and chapati. Some people also love to have the bean stew with some rice and at times some ugali. Today, I decided to add my own twist to this Kenyan favorite which takes it up a notch.

I boiled my beans with whole cumin seeds, garlic cloves and ginger root. This gave the individual beans character and a fabulous depth of flavor. It was made even more special using thick tomato sauce, amazing taste of red onion richness of bell papers, and texture of carrot.

Prepare to be taken to cloud 9!

Thyme and Garlic Dry Fry Goat Meat

February 17, 2015 / Kaluhi / 56 Comments

Food is a medium that brings people together. It is the perfect ice breaker. It is a way that can bring people closer together. I also consider it a way of showing affection and/or appreciation for those around especially when effort and love is put in the preparation of their favorite meals. I am the kind of person who enjoys watching those close to me absolutely enjoy what I make for them hence I put my all in making their favorite dishes.

I know someone really special to me really loves goat meat. I have never made this dish for him yet as I was searching for the perfect recipe. I tried this out for myself first to see if the flavors blend, and for my sisters to critique and give their reviews. I loved it and my sisters enjoyed this so much, I just had to share it with you guys too. Now I know when I do make this dish for him, he will be blown away! I hope you make this for those close to your heart too 🙂

Cinnamon-Sugar Dusted Churros with Chocolate Sauce

February 13, 2015 / Kaluhi / 1 Comment

I am the kind of person who believes that if you have special people in your life, you should show them that they indeed are every single time you get a chance to do so. While Valentines Day is an exciting time to shower the people we cherish with affection, we should not limit ourselves to just that one day out of the 365 that exist. Everyday is a good enough day to show affection to your loved ones, or to treat yourself too. Despite my strong belief about tomorrow, I still find no harm by indulging in a bit of chocolate. So I decided o join the band wagon and made the most delicious cinnamon dusted churros ever that will make this Valentine’s weekend one to remember.

Why not do an indoors Valentines day weekend and surprise your loved ones with these out-of -the-world cinnamon dusted churros with the richest chocolate sauce.

Creamed Spinach

February 6, 2015 / Kaluhi / 5 Comments

In my country Kenya, the most popular vegetables that accompany any meal are kale and cabbage. They are nutritious, but when you have them too often one yearns for a bit more variety. That’s when I always indulge in veggies popular in my tribe, the Luhya tribe, which offer greater variety and have bolder flavor and character. Such as these include tsisaga, mutere, murenda,kanzira, seveve, mto e.t.c. They are usually cooked with cream and various other ingredients that make this vegetables rich and beautifully tasty. During the times I cannot access them, I usually have creamed spinach. Creamed spinach usually go with nearly everything. In majority of the recipes I have done in the past, I usually recommend them to be served with creamed spinach. One of my readers requested this recipe and I was more than delighted to share with her, and with all of you :).

Thai Sticky Coconut Rice with Mango

February 3, 2015 / Kaluhi / 0 Comments

I thank God for jan-feb-mar for the sunny weather that, for some reason, makes me so energized, and that my favorite fruit, mangoes are in season. Because there are so many around, retailing at very affordable prices, I always try to have my fave fruit in as many ways as I possibly can.

I decided to make a mango dessert that has its origins in Thailand. This Thai Sticky Coconut Rice with Mango is a recipe I bumped into accidentally while searching for food photography inspiration on food gawker. I was happy that the ingredients they use are also available here. To add my own twist to an already existing recipe, I added sesame seeds instead of dessicated coconut to add a nutty taste. I also used coconut cream instead of coconut milk it make it thicker. I would never have though using rice as an ingredient in a dessert but this worked so well. The rice is meant to compliment the mango though, and not the other way round. And this is a healthy snack, that will still give you that sweet kick but minus all that sugar overload.

You do not have to go to Thailand. Bring Thailand to you!

Tomato and Mustard Fried Rice

January 30, 2015 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

One of the things I consider while buying a perfume is how many hours it will still smell long after the first spritz. One of the things I like about my current perfume is the layers of heavenly scents that come alive in one harmonious dance for the entire day. The first layer is a fresh burst of plum and blue berry. As the day goes on, the middle notes hit you with orchid, iris and freesia. And as the day winds down, I smell like amber, vanilla and musk. Beyond perfect! After all, a girl has got to smell great all the time 🙂

Today’s dish is alot like my perfume since the flavors are marvelously layered and you taste each and every ingredient from your first bite, to the time you swallow. The first flavors are those of cumin, chilli and ginger. As you continue, you taste the ginger and the pepper and then finally feel the subtle yet intense mustard and bay leaf flavor. This is what the gods eat! If you are ready for something different, this is for you 🙂

Honey and Rosemary Sauted Carrots

January 27, 2015 / Kaluhi / 0 Comments

My eldest sister lives and works in the picturesque town of Nakuru. When she comes home after being away for a period of time, we spend majority of the time just catching up on what we have missed out on while living apart. Amid all the chatty conversations, billions of curious questions and girly giggles, we always talk about the thing that matters most, food. And in the process share new recipes with each other that we think the other would enjoy.

This honey and rosemary carrot saute is a recipe my sister Cheredi suggested I try. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant as to how these would taste as the recipe has ingredients all of which have strong flavors on their own. But they came together in such a brilliant harmony. It was so delicious! I made this and it was cleared in under 5 minutes.

I hope you give this a try and know a little bit of what heaven tastes like 🙂

Red Onion Boiled Egg Saute

January 23, 2015 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

I have always enjoyed the trip from Nairobi to Maragoli. There is so much of our country’s beauty to savor along the way and all the excitement of going to my favorite place on earth makes the five hour journey worth it each time.My mother always prepares some snacks for us to nibble on along the way, just in case hunger pangs strike in an area with no shops to stop by and have a meal. Among the many things she packs for us are boiled eggs. And many times,unfortunately, they were left untouched. I never used to like these while I was growing up. I do not know the exact reason, but I always avoided them. However last year, I just grew to really REALLY like them. And now they are among my favorite things to have for breakfast. I have added a little twist on the humble boiled egg. This recipe is so good, it will turn anyone and everyone into a boiled egg lover.

Today I have for you my red onion boiled egg saute.

3 Spice Golden Fried Chicken

January 20, 2015 / Kaluhi / 29 Comments

In our home, we love having our chicken. And we prepare it real good. There are no two ways about having chicken in our home, it always has both perfectly marinated and perfectly seasoned.And I must admit, it is always really good. There are many chicken recipes out there, and this one has been in our family for years. It was formulated by my mom and slightly modified by us through the years and passed down the family. It is crazy good!!

From my heart to yours, I hope this family recipe brings much delight and joy to your dinner table as it did to my family through out the years 🙂

Earth and Fire Potato Wedges

January 16, 2015 / Kaluhi / 16 Comments

I have declared my love for potatoes several times in previous posts such as this one. I love them because they give you endless recipe choices. For me, they are like the perfect blank canvas which is handed to you, and you have infinite choices as to what you can create.

Today I made potato wedges. They have a beautiful golden color which contrasts so well with the coriander garnish. This beautiful vivacious amber of the potatoes and vibrant emerald splendor of the coriander inspired the name of today’s masterpiece: Earth and Fire Potato wedges. They taste as good as they look :). Do give them a try!

Garlic and Lemon Fish Curry

January 13, 2015 / Kaluhi / 17 Comments

I really love fish. I can have it everyday for the rest of my days on earth. Nothing tastes more East African, more Kenyan or more home than some good old fish curry. I have noticed that in the western culinary world, it is almost considered a sacrilege to serve fish with skin soaked in soup, curry or anything else. But for me, I believe there are more than one ways of preparing a meal. Just because a certain part of the world thinks your way is wrong, that will not make your dish any less tasty . Besides, rules were made to be broken. 🙂

The past fish dishes such as this one and this one, I cooked with just fish fillet. However, not every Kenyan can access fillet too often due to its price and scarcity. Today I used a whole, unfilleted fish and I know every single one of you can find this :). This recipe is one you *MUST* try. Believe me, you will be blown away!

Nutmeg and Coconut Cream Drop scones

January 9, 2015 / Kaluhi / 2 Comments

Am I the only one who is always a bit scared of those foods that are dairy/sugar/fat free? I mean, they have removed all the great stuff :D. However unless it is by medical instruction, I do not think the above mentioned are bad for you, unless taken in excessive quantities.

Today I decided to step out of my comfort zone and attempt one of my favorite breakfast dishes, drop scones, but without dairy. I was pleasantly surprised that the drop scones tasted really really good, if not better. It then made sense to me why dairy-free products are fast gaining popularity across the globe. I had some left over coconut cream from this dish and I decided to use that in place of my dairy.

If you are allergic to dairy products, or want to try something different like me, read on.

Minced Beef and Tomato Macaroni

January 6, 2015 / Kaluhi / 17 Comments

There are those people who love being in the kitchen, and those who being in the kitchen gives them so much anxiety. Whichever group you belong, one thing you have in common is the sheer appreciation for meals that take a short time to cook. They are always the life-savers and the turn-to meals when you need to fix something fast.

I personally like my minced beef and macaroni because it perfectly fits this need. In addition to that, it has a rich yet delicate taste. It is also very light to have, and ironically enough, very filling. It is very easy to make and I highly recommend that you try this out 🙂