Githeri (Gĩtheri), also called muthere or mutheri, is a Kenyan traditional meal of maize and legumes (primarily beans) mixed and boiled together The maize and beans are mixed in a sufuria, a type of pot. Water is then added, and the mixture is boiled until the food is cooked.
Githeri is the staple food of the Gikuyu, Meru, Mbeere people and Embu people in the Central Province and Eastern Province of Kenya. It is also popular in other parts of the country, such as with the Kamba people of the Eastern Province of Kenya. The primary ingredients for this dish, maize and beans, are commonly found in local farms and homesteads.
The dish is widespread and is also a traditional dish from North Africa to South Africa. The base of githeri ingredients is used in many other meals from different regions.
The beans and maize used for githeri can either be fresh or dry. Githeri can also be made into a stew with the addition of vegetables, potatoes, and sometimes meat. It can also be used to make mukimo by adding potatoes, bananas and greens, and mashing up the mixture.
This popular dish has been the main meal served to students since the 1920s. Eating githeri is now a trend for young people, and it is even served in many hotels in Kenya. Lately, there has been a rise in the popularity of githeri due to the health benefits associated with this plant-based dish.
Actually Githeri is the english name and was recently added Oxford dictionary.However it can also be referred as pigeon peas.
