Category: Main (Page 1 of 13)

Sticky Pork Ribs with Mango BBQ sauce

February 8, 2023 / Kaluhi / 4 Comments

Long time no post!! Hey my love! How has your year started off? Mine has been slow and fast-paced in equal measure. But so far, I am feeling optimistic about 2023. Life, as we all know, will always hand us near equal amounts of woe and joy. But last year – for me – was almost all woe. It was a heavy year, one whose darkness nearly wore me down to the bone. It ground my feet into pulp but now I am slowly regaining my footing. Laughter is returning to my lips. Calm is returning to my soul. I still have a lot to remedy, but I have hope that soon the sun will shine on my face and joy shall be a regular in my days. Hope. That is what I am feeling. Hope that things will be better. Hope that things will be stable. Hope that love will balm my scars and offer me a steady ground to once again take root in. And in the theme of getting back into the swing of things, let’s kick of 2023 with one of my favorite things I have eaten this far!

I have filmed so much content, so much so that it can last till the last quarter of this year. This was among the last one’s I filmed but I just had to bump it and post it as the first of the year. It captures both the glory of mango season and the perfection of baby back ribs. You will fall in love with this one!

Raisin Breakfast Scones

November 9, 2022 / Kaluhi / 16 Comments

I love love love a slow morning!! I am typically a morning person and my weekday mornings always start on 100. My brain is sharpest in the morning and my energy highest and because of that, I ensure that I make the most of my mornings. However on the weekends, I soak into the slowest and most sluggish of mornings. I wake up as late as I feel like. I stay in bed hours after waking. I then drag my feet and make something yummy for myself. I love a breakfast spread that has both sweet and savory picks. For my sweet pick, I often lean toward crepes or a loaf cake; and lately, I have really been into these yummy raisin breakfast scones.

These yellow breakfast scones are pretty common here in Kenya. They typically don’t have raisins, but I love mine with some. Because the Kenyan breakfast typically involves tea, these scones make for the perfect accompaniment. These breakfast scones may be similar to what Americans call dinner rolls.

I hope you love this one!

Ginger Coconut Cream Tilapia

October 5, 2022 / Kaluhi / 8 Comments

Obviously I was going to start this blog by saying I. LOVE. FISH. We have walked this journey since 2014 and those of you who have been part of my tribe since then know in my heart of heart, the one meat I can comfortably eat every day for the rest of my life is fish. The variety is plenty. Each different fish tastes and feels different and I love love love that there are a billion ways to cook it too.

Tilapia has always been most common in this country. It has gained popularity in other countries as well over the recent years (which I noticed on twitter that they call Tilapia a lab animal and one that does not exist in real life (???) but I also understand in first world countries so much Genetic Modification happens such that one can live a full life without seeing or tasting the real thing). It is pretty affordable, super tasty and extremely flavorful. Today’s recipe is a take on one I made in 2016 – you can check it out here – with today spinning my original recipe and upgrading it very slightly, but in a manner that your palate will love!

Back To Basics – Crepes

September 14, 2022 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

Weekends at home have often started with hearty breakfasts. It would be anything really but it would always be super special. I specifically love it when mom makes drop scones. I swear no one does it better than her!! My elder sister does make the best crepes. Well I do too, but I prefer sleeping till 11 a.m. and not have to cook too early in the morning lol. We are now grown and we all participate in the breakfast process, we all contribute in different ways. Think kebabs or samosas or pancakes or loaf cakes… it could be anything. And in my home, I now also make sure that weekend breakfasts are just as yummy. If you follow me on Twitter, you know crepes often feature. And upon your request, today we are going to do the foundational crepe recipe which I hope you will really enjoy!

Simple Lemon Cake

August 3, 2022 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

Today is June 14th. As I am writing this blogpost, a lemon cake is baking. It is a warm mid-morning. I am calm. I am happy. I am content. The sun is making it’s way through the blinds and a gentle breeze is wafting in. My home smells fantastic. I have been on a creative high and my spirit is still. On this very day, and at this very very moment, I am happy, present and grounded. My 2022 has not been a pleasant year, and whenever I can catch a moment of joy, I grasp it and I let my spirit marinate in it.

I hope on the day I post this recipe that I will be in an even calmer, more grounded and much happier space. I hope joy finds me and chooses me every day. I also hope for you – on the day I *finally* post this recipe, that joy is cozily nested in your heart. I hope you find peace in life’s simple moments. I hope you constantly re-discover yourself and fearlessly choose yourself.

And with that, let us get into today’s beauty of a recipe.

Most Tender Oxtail Ever!

July 20, 2022 / Kaluhi / 16 Comments

I have been so excited about posting this recipe, god knows!!! I love a good slow cooked dish. For me, investing time into getting amazing food has never been an ache. That is because, it always pay off! The flavor is always so potent and the met-in-your-mouth deliciousness is an ever amazing reward. It is presently cold in Kenya. July has come with it’s deep freeze and that only means we snuggle up to the yummiest comforting meals. Honey let me tell you, my oxtail will have to be among those meals you indulge in!

She is bold! She is tender! She is unforgettable and believe me when I tell you, you will fall head over heels in love with this oxtail recipe!

Breakfast Sandwich

July 13, 2022 / Kaluhi / 18 Comments

I love a slow morning. I love mornings that are not rushed; mornings that are still, that are sunny, that allow you to soak in everything and just be. Such mornings are made even better by amazing food. Be it a solid breakfast or a boozy brunch. I love all kinds of sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches are among my absolute favorites because they are not only filling but are super hearty, have lots of character and are extra filling too.

I have been making this exact breakfast sandwich for myself for the past couple of weeks and decided to share the simple recipe with you guys so that you too can enjoy this beaut at home! I can’t wait for you to give this a shot!

Garlic Thyme Mala-Marinated Mbuzi Dry Fry

July 6, 2022 / Kaluhi / 22 Comments

I have always loved mbuzi (goat). It remains among my top five favorite meats to have! I love how Kenyans always have some during literally any celebration, and also during just-because moments. It takes up flavor so well and any chance I get to make some, I dive head first. On the day I made this, my soul was restless and the only thing it craved was some mbuzi. So I had to make it good good and honey it was worth my time!

This recipe is very simple. It brings out the full flavor of the mbuzi all the while allowing all the ingredients used therein to really shine! You will love this beaut so so much!

Pea and Potato Stew

June 29, 2022 / Kaluhi / 20 Comments

Easy does not have to be boring. Simple does not have to taste boring! This has been my life gospel and a principle that I have been raised on. We all love quick, simple meals but they too need to pack flavor and make your mealtimes interesting. I would think one of the most common stews in Kenya would be this pea and potato stew. I personally love it too, and I prepare it more times than I could count. It is simple to put together and super hearty too.

I switch thing ups and add different flavor notes depending on my mood. On the day I made this one, I decided to film it and I do hope you enjoy this beaut as much as I did when I made it.

Ginger Sweet Corn Fried Rice

June 22, 2022 / Kaluhi / 13 Comments

Life is super fast paced, more so now that we are adults and it has gotten real! I have made a conscious choice to stop and smell the roses. It is very easy to get swept by the undercurrent of life. And if one does not deliberately stop and just be, the present business can consume you. Lately I have been reminiscing about my career, especially now that I am nearly reaching my 8th anniversary! Who would have thought that this girl would build a monster of a brand off of her name! Who would have thought I would keep this going for nearly a decade? Who would have thought simple ideas would turn into laughter on your dinner tables? Who would have thought! It has been quite the journey and I am deeply appreciative of every win, every stress point, every steep learning curve, every glorious collaboration and certainly, for every one of you.

Today’s recipe – my ginger sweet corn fried rice – is super simple. This particular one is a better rendition to this one I made and posted in August of 2014. I have no idea why the images are broken on that post, but it is completely worth it that I tweaked it a little bit and posted it once more for you to try out.

Pilipili ya Kukaanga

June 8, 2022 / Kaluhi / 22 Comments

Happy Wednesday my love bugs! Isn’t this year going so fast? Or is it that the business of adult life makes it seem as though everything is rushing to anywhere? Here in Kenya the weather is cooling down and things are about to get super cosy! That only calls for all the cosiest of meals and drinks and a bit of spicy ones too to crank up the heat! Regardless of weather, I always have some pipilipi ya kukaanga in my fridge. It is the most perfect relish, that is super versatile too and I would love for you guys to lean into it’s power, hence this post!

Pilipili ya kukaanga would roughly translate to cooked chili. It is a Kiswahili term and the relish itself is very common and enjoyed throughout our coastal regions. It is typically enjoyed with pilau, however I truly feel like it can go with nearly anything else. It is blazing hot, slightly zingy, mildly sweet and a glorious relish full of character you have to make a staple in your home!

Lime Cardamom Zebra Cake

May 11, 2022 / Kaluhi / 14 Comments

I have always found zebras so gentle and majestic! I don’t quite know what it is about them, but I have always really loved them. I enjoy spotting their herds between Naivasha and Salgaa when driving out to Maragoli. When we were kiddies, mom would always called to us in the back seat to look out and see the Zebras grazing, or the flamingoes in Lake Naivasha or the deer that are usually amongst the Zebras too. My sisters and I were always so fascinated, and now even much older we still get just as fascinated but it is sprinkled with a lot more appreciation too that we live in the most beautiful country in the world where a simple drive out of the city has you savor nature in such mighty glory. When I drive out of the city, I make sure to stop & take pictures whenever I see an animal I normally wouldn’t in Nairobi, and just take in it’s beauty and the beauty all around it.

I love Zebra Cake too. I love it’s stripes. I love how simple it is to make. I love how perfect it is to have – especially with some tea – during stormy May! I added my own twist to this and I am totally looking forward to see you guys enjoying this!

Fish Sandwich with a Honey Lime Aioli

April 27, 2022 / Kaluhi / 14 Comments

I am the queen of routine. I flourish most and do my best when I am anchored in routine. I wake up at a specific time, go through my day in a specific way and wind down more or less in the same way. I am very disciplined too, and I think it is because of routine that I had been able to very easily and prosperously work from home long before working form home became a thing. Before the pandemic, people aaaaalways used to ask me what and how working from home really was. People thought I was literally on an eternal vacation. One topic that the pandemic demystified was Working from Home. Because suddenly, a multitude from different fields got to experience what for me, had been normal since 2014. And with that, I have since not been interrogated/mocked about working from home because now the vast majority know and understand you can still be productive from literally anywhere!

Speaking of, I love to break for my lunch at around 2 p.m. I love a light lunch. One of my favorite things to put together that is light, super yummy and unforgettable is my fish sandwich with a honey lime aioli. It is simple to make too and I know you will enjoy everything about this too!

Herby Slow Cooked Beef Stew

April 13, 2022 / Kaluhi / 26 Comments

Happy Wednesday my sweet angels!!! I hope you have had a great past quarter and the just commenced second quarter is taking all of you easy. It has been a challenging past couple of years. Every single year comes with a new set of challenges and this year seems to be the year of tightening belts that were already suffocatingly tight! It will be a challenge, but tutaweza! And as we go through economically tough 2022, let us also soak in the silver linings. Challenges will always be there, therefore let us make room for joy in whichever way it finds us. I am currently deeply enjoying being an aunty. I am enjoying silence of nighttime. I am enjoying scents of fresh blooms in my home. And certainly, I am enjoying great food!

I have done several beef stew recipes in the past but this one is the one I love most. This is exactly how I make my beef stews at home and I am particularly excited about sharing this beaut with you guys. She is delicious, she is slow cooked, she is unforgettable na mtapenda!

Thyme & Pineapple Marinated Pork

April 6, 2022 / Kaluhi / 18 Comments

There is nothing that a great plate of pork cannot fix!! I love love love the taste and flavor of pork and it is one of my top three favorite meats. While it is one of the meats I really love, for some reason I do not consume it as often as I would prefer. I would love to change that this year and have more pork. I have done splendid pork recipes in the past; such as my red wine braised pork ribs and mango habanero sauce basted pork choma and today I would love us to get into this beauty that is my thyme & pineapple marinated pork.

Yummy Noodles, 3 ways

March 23, 2022 / Kaluhi / 14 Comments

If there is a recipe that has been so highly requested, it has been how to make Instant noodles a bit more exciting to have. Many people turn their noses up and act snobbish towards instant noodles, but we cannot deny that they make such a convenient lazy meal for a huge huge majority. Very many noodle varieties exist that- admittedly- taste better, however we still appreciate our instant noodles.

For today, I will show you 3 extremely simple and basic ways you can upgrade your noodles. The recipe are low fuss, low effort but high on flavor. Simple does not always mean boring, and this is one blogpost (and video) with three perfect recipes that showcase just that!

Sticky Spicy Orange Chicken Strips

March 16, 2022 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

I live for easy and delicious platefuls. Some may take longer than most – understandibly – but most of the time, what I love is the reward of delicious food. Be it lunch or supper, I just want my tongue to rejoice! I love me anything chicken and we have done some amazing chicken recipes in the past. The most popular recipe last year was my ginger garlic chicken thigh bake. I mean take a look at this glorious recipe!!! It seems like we are on a amazing-chicken-recipe streak and as I was chowing this down, I hoped that you guys would love it as much as I did and hope to see this recipe in the top 10 at the end of this year when we do our count down.

My sticky spicy orange chicken is unforgettable!

Coconut Cream Rosemary Chicken Liver

February 23, 2022 / Kaluhi / 20 Comments

I did a ”Ask Me Anything” on my Instagram about a week ago; first one I have done since 2020. While I would have preferred to have had it on twitter, twitter can be too wild. Instagram can be too uptight and restrained with the questions but I loved how it went the when I had the sesh. I always give priority to non-work related questions just to keep it fun and relaxed. Among the recurring question relating to my work was what are my go to lazy meals. Now, lazy meal is very very very relative! No two people have the same lazy meal. And no one person has just one lazy meal. But for me, it all depends on my mood. And lately, chicken liver has been my go-to.

Aunty Kavetsa used to love chicken live. I remember as a small girl, I first had it at her place while we were over. I did not quite love it then, but nowadays, I look forward to making it! This recipe is flavorful, creamy, speedy and you will totally love it!

Ginger Garlic Chicken Thigh Bake

October 27, 2021 / Kaluhi / 30 Comments

My guku (grandmother) always makes sure you leave her home with an impossibly full tummy and more food to cook when you get home. She is very generous, and she equally loves being spoilt which is never a problem to us. I last saw her in August, and she was sooo happy to see me. We talked about many things; about work, about her shamba, about politics, about family, about my babies who are yet to be concieved let alone born lol….about everything. On that day, I had heavy breakfast with a good friend of mine. We left home, he went to work and I went to guku’s. Immediately on arrival I had mahindi choma. Shortly afterwards, I had tea and bread. Then afterwards I had ugali ya wimbi, kuku choma and creamy managu. I had four meals within a span of about 5 hours. She said I am too little for a 30 year old, and she was serious about feeding me. Because it rains every afternoon in Maragoli, I wanted to leave before the storm. She gave me a sack of tender green maize; to boil and to use for githeri. I had a massive She also wanted to give me a chicken, but the chicken outsmarted the catcher. I left without it. She calls me ever so often to remind me that my chicken is still there. Still being fattened, and still waiting for me.

I generally love chicken. It is my third favorite meat to have and my faaaavorite part is the thigh. Thighs take on flavor so well, they are always so juicy and beautifully meaty. This recipe is a family favorite. I had shared it last year on my IGTv but I thought it beautiful to have it immortalized by having it on my blog and YouTube channel as well.

Super Herby Creamy Mushroom Linguine

September 15, 2021 / Kaluhi / 23 Comments

Every time I do a pasta post I have to start by reminding you guys how obsessed I am with every single pasta dish in the world! This is no different, so here goes: “Hi! My name is Kaluhi Adagala and I am a dedicated, toxic, overbearing member of pasta-hive and I adore it in every single form!” There are so many ways to prepare pasta. And as we discussed in this post, there are nearly 300 types of pasta, each with it’s own kataste, and each with best ways of preparing. I had some linguine in my pantry and some mushrooms in my fridge so it was just natural for me to whip up this perfect creamy beauty.

This super herby creamy mushroom linguine is one of my favorite quick lunches for a quiet weekend afternoon paired with a chilled glass of chardonnay. I love it when I want a quick, filling yet tasty dinner on a weeknight. I love it when I have a guest briefly dropping by. It is perfect and I know you will love it just as much as I do!