Classic Kenyan Githeri Recipe — Orient Chef Mixed Beans

Kenya's most beloved one-pot meal — a hearty, soulful combination of mixed beans and tender maize kernels, slow-simmered until the flavours meld into something truly comforting. Githeri is the dish that fed a nation, and with Orient Chef Mixed Beans, every pot is packed with protein, fibre, and the rich, earthy depth that Kenyans grew up on. Simple ingredients, extraordinary results.

PREP: 15 min | COOK: 45 min | SERVES: 4–6 | CALORIES: ~380 per serving | DIFFICULTY: Easy

---

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Made with Orient Chef Mixed Beans 1kg — KES 280
A premium blend of dried beans, cleaned and graded to perfection. The backbone of this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

- 500g Orient Chef Mixed Beans (soaked overnight)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen maize kernels
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin (optional)
- Fresh coriander, to serve

---

METHOD

Step 1 — Soak & boil the beans
Rinse your Orient Chef Mixed Beans and soak overnight (or at least 4 hours). Drain, then boil in fresh water for 35–40 minutes until just tender. Add the maize in the last 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 — Build the base
Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions for 5–7 minutes until golden and soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3 — Add the tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, mashing slightly as they soften, until you have a thick, rich tomato base. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin if using.

Step 4 — Bring it all together
Add the boiled beans and maize to your tomato base. Stir well to combine, adding a splash of water if needed. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb all those wonderful flavours.

Step 5 — Serve with love
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander. Githeri is perfect on its own, alongside a green salad, or paired with a fried egg for extra protein.

---

CHEF'S TIP
For deeper flavour, use a pressure cooker to cut the boiling time to just 20 minutes. A squeeze of lemon juice stirred through at the end adds a wonderful brightness. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

---

Shop the ingredient: Orient Chef Mixed Beans 1kg — available at orient.co.ke