Easy Kenyan Dishes You Can Cook in 20 Minutes: Kenyan Recipe

Quick meals and healthy eating:

Life in Kenya can be busy, whether you're commuting through Nairobi’s traffic, running a business, or managing a family. With such a fast-paced lifestyle, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always an option. But who says quick meals can’t be delicious and nutritious?

In this blog, I’ll share easy Kenyan dishes that you can whip up in just 20 minutes—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These meals are simple, affordable, and packed with flavor.

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1. Ugali & Sukuma Wiki (15-20 minutes)

Ugali and sukuma wiki (collard greens) is Kenya’s go-to meal. It’s fast, filling, and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups maize flour
• 2 cups water
• A bunch of sukuma wiki, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ugali: Boil water, add maize flour gradually while stirring until thick. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Sukuma Wiki: Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions and tomatoes, then add sukuma wiki. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
3. Serve hot with ugali.

Time-Saving Tip: Pre-wash and chop your sukuma wiki in advance for even faster preparation.

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2. Madondo & Chapati (Beans Stew) (15 minutes)

Beans, or "madondo," are a Kenyan favorite. If you have pre-cooked beans, this meal is ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• ½ tsp curry powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
2. Add the beans, curry powder, and salt. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Serve with chapati or rice.

Time-Saving Tip: Batch-cook beans in advance and freeze them in portions for quick use.

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3. Kenyan-Style Fried Eggs & Bread (10 minutes)

A quick and hearty breakfast or light dinner option that’s rich in protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 green chili (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• Bread slices

Instructions:

1. Beat eggs in a bowl and add onions, tomatoes, salt, and chili.
2. Heat oil in a pan, pour in the eggs, and cook until golden.
3. Serve with toasted or fresh bread.

Time-Saving Tip: Use a non-stick pan for faster cooking and easier cleanup.

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4. Spaghetti & Minced Meat Stew (20 minutes)

A quick and delicious alternative to the classic nyama choma meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 200g minced beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil spaghetti for 10 minutes, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions and garlic, then add minced beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 3 minutes.
4. Serve the stew over the spaghetti.

Time-Saving Tip: Use ready-made tomato sauce instead of chopping fresh tomatoes.

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5. Kenyan-Style Matoke (Fried Bananas) (15-20 minutes)

This Kisii and Luhya delicacy is a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 5 green bananas, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
2. Add chopped bananas, stir well, and add water.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes until soft.
4. Serve hot as is or with beef stew.

Time-Saving Tip: Use a peeler to quickly remove banana skin and avoid sticky hands..

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Final Thoughts

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! These quick Kenyan dishes will save you time while keeping your meals delicious and healthy.

Which of these meals will you try first? Let me know in the comments!