Kaluhi's Kitchen

Garlic Coconut Cream Tsisagaa (Chinsaga/Saget)

October 18, 2023 / Kaluhi / 13 Comments

It is not a secret that my most favorite place in the entire world is Maragoli. It is where my mind completely rests; and as someone with mild anxiety and a constantly ticking mind, that’s a huge thing. It is a place I find absolute peace. It is where I know I am completely safe and overflowingly loved. The emerald hills are story-book pretty and everyone is so warm and kind. One of the things I really love about finally growing up is the ability to drive out whenever I want. And because my work can be done form everywhere, I try be away from Nairobi as often as I can. I am writing this post from the back yard. My parents have since returned to Nairobi, but I chose to stay for an extra week and a half. It is peaceful. It is still. And I am happy. I will finish writing this and then set up my canvas and paint in the afternoon before the evening storms set in. This right here, is my dream life and I am living it!!

I had photographed this in my Nairobi home before driving out and found it fitting to complete this blogpost about a much beloved vegetable. Today is Monday and it is Market day at Mudete and I think I will pass by and buy a bunch and cook some using this recipe coz remembering how bomb this recipe was is making me drool! The recipe is very simple, with a #KK twist you will for sure love!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

September 13, 2023 / Kaluhi / 8 Comments

I think it is universally agreed that the best recipes are those that are both very simple and very delicious. Do not get me wrong, I honestly do not mind putting in the time and cooking meals that demand that investment. It always pays off in the end! However, sometimes one is just tired, but still, in the mood to eat something supper yum. In instances such as those, I almost always turn to my cheesy chicken pasta bake.

This recipe is simple and an easy crowd-pleaser. It is a default when impromptu guests come knocking. It is impossible not to love and just as difficult not to savor! This is for certain gonna be among your family’s absolute faves!

Back To Basics – Uji ya Wimbi

August 23, 2023 / Kaluhi / 8 Comments

There are certain, specific dishes that are very reminiscent of home. Every person has their own, and several too. For me, the small of mandazi or drop scones reminds me of home. The aroma of pilau reminds me of home. The smell of a baking lemon cake reminds me of home. And the smell of warm uji – particularly on a drizzly morning or late afternoon – also reminds me of home! I have always loved uji (porridge) even as a child. I loved it as part of breakfast or even in place of chai ya saa kumi. Uji ya Ngano (wheat porridge) is very common in the coast, Uji ya Mahindi (corn porridge) common through out the country and my favorite Uji ya Wimbi (millet porridge) most common in the Western part of the country but equally beloved throughout!

Today I show you how I make mine, at it’s most foundational recipe!

Creamy Peanut Risudza (Managu)

August 9, 2023 / Kaluhi / 9 Comments

One of the many many many gifts my parents bestowed my sisters and I is introducing us at a very young age the wide array of Traditional Kenyan vegetables. We have always enjoyed them as children, and not even as adults with our own homes & with our own babies, traditional Kenyan vegetables are a very frequent appearance. For me, it is what I eat 95% of the time and I often joke if I were to leave the country, our mbogas are certainly top 5 of the foods I would miss.

Each part of the country has their own mbogas but it is the western communities that have the widest array and the riches culture around preparing and eating them. The list of traditional vegetables and possible combinations is endless. But one by one, we shall make one with a special twist of my own. Risudza, also known as Managu, is pretty common and among my faaaaavorite to have. This particular recipe is undeniably delicious, and I am very excited to share it with you guys!

Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheesy Smokie Sandwich

July 26, 2023 / Kaluhi / 14 Comments

I used to wonder why older people used to say time is moving so fast. As a child, because everyday looks the same and one has only one thing to worry about, days used to seem static. But now being neck-deep in the chaotic world that adulting is, time really does move fast. You blink once and three months have flashed by. I was literally screaming under a sky of fireworks on the 1st of this year a second ago and now we are into the second half of the year? It is crazy! But change is part of life and as fast as it is coming towards us, we embrace it and roll with the punches. And speaking of the second half, July comes with lots of cold and that calls for meals that feel like cosy cuddles. And you know what feels like a cosy cuddle? My roasted tomato soup with a cheesy smokie sandwich.

This is beautiful as it is fantastically delicious and you will love this beauty!

Mushroom & Sausage Egg Muffins

July 5, 2023 / Kaluhi / 18 Comments

One thing I love more than an early morning during the work week is a late – super late – and super slow- morning during the weekends. A slow morning allows you to take in the beauty of the day. The slower pace of things allows your spirit to merge with the wave of time and ride it. Slow mornings allow you to taste the sweetness of the songbirds. As someone who really goes hard during work weeks, slow weekend mornings are a much welcome relief and calm sweetness. It also allows me to really take time and eat yummy things; and yummy things need not be complicated ones.

One of my current weekend favorites are my mushroom and sausage egg muffins. All my favorite yummy things are things are packed in these little beauties. They are the perfect savory bite, super simple to prepare and a true joy to have!

Coconut Cream Mango Slushie

February 22, 2023 / Kaluhi / 9 Comments

Some of my followers on twitter point out that during mango season, all I tweet about is mangoes. And they are completely correct!! Am I trying to change? Absolutely not! I love my obsession! And I love that you guys are well aware of it. But can you blame me? Is there anything or any fruit more worthy than a toxic obsession than mangoes? There really isn’t! Over the years, every mango season has had us make several mango recipes (which you can check out here) and for this season, we are going to add yet another one.

It is hot and mangoes are in abundance. Therefore the perfect item to celebrate both is my coconut cream mango slushie. Super simple to make and I know you are really going to love this one!