🇰🇪 Kenyan / Swahili · Coastal Cuisine
🫘 Swahili Maharagwe ya Nazi
Maharagwe ya Nazi
Maharagwe ya Nazi — red kidney beans slowly simmered in rich coconut milk with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and warm spices. A cornerstone of Swahili coastal cuisine and one of the most satisfying vegetarian dishes in Kenya. See KEN014 for the full recipe.
Along the Kenyan coast, where coconuts are part of everyday life, this creamy bean stew has nourished families for generations. The coconut milk transforms humble beans into something extraordinary. Served with Wali wa Nazi, it is the definitive Swahili vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Equipment: Large cooking pot or pressure cooker, Wooden spoon
- 500g dried red kidney beans — soaked overnight
- 400ml thick coconut milk
- 2 large onions — finely chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes — diced
- 4 garlic cloves — minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger — grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh coriander — chopped
Method
- Drain soaked beans. Cook in fresh water for 60—75 minutes until completely tender. Drain, reserve 1 cup liquid.
- Heat oil. Cook onions until golden — 6—8 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 6—8 minutes until thick.
- Add curry powder and turmeric. Stir 1 minute.
- Add cooked beans and reserved liquid. Stir to coat.
- Pour in coconut milk. Mix gently.
- Simmer on low for 10—15 minutes — do not boil hard.
- Season and garnish with coriander.
Chef Tips
- Never boil vigorously after adding coconut milk.
- Lightly mash a few beans to thicken naturally.
- Fresh coconut milk gives an incomparable flavour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling coconut milk hard — it splits.
- Undercooked beans.
The Science
See KEN014 for the full cooking science of this dish.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- Excellent plant protein.
- High dietary fibre.
- Dairy-free and cholesterol-free.
Cultural Note
See KEN014 for the full cultural story of this Swahili coastal classic.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Refrigerate 4 days. Freeze 3 months.
Reheating: Gently on stovetop with splash of coconut milk.
Serve with: Wali wa Nazi, Chapati, Kachumbari, Mandazi