Quick Kenyan Egg Stew
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering what to cook for dinner that’s both quick and satisfying, you’re not alone. For many Kenyan households—and especially for busy moms, students, or anyone on a tight schedule—this quick Kenyan egg stew (also known as mayai fry) is a cherished go-to recipe.
It’s the kind of dish that reminds us that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples like eggs, tomatoes, and onions, you can create something hearty, flavorful, and deeply comforting.
This quick Kenyan egg stew is perfect for weeknight dinners, impromptu meals when guests show up, or those times when you just want something warm and filling without spending too much time in the kitchen.
It’s also ideal if you’re working with a tight budget, as all the ingredients are affordable and easily available in most homes.
Egg stew pairs wonderfully with ugali, which is a staple in many Kenyan homes. But it’s also versatile enough to serve with rice, spaghetti, or even chapati.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps, and yet the results are so satisfying.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to make quick Kenyan egg stew, just the way we love to prepare it in our home.
It’s a dish that my daughters learned to make when they were still young—it’s that easy! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving others as part of your hospitality ministry, this recipe is a winner every time.
So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking. And if you love meals that are simple, budget-friendly, and nourishing, be sure to stick around—there’s so much more to explore here at Recipes and Hospitality with Clara, our YouTube channel, and the recipes on this blog .
Why You’ll Love This Quick Kenyan Egg Stew Recipe
This quick Kenyan egg stew is:
- Quick to prepare – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Budget-friendly – Uses basic, affordable ingredients.
- Versatile – Goes well with ugali, rice, or even spaghetti.
- Perfect for hospitality – Simple enough for everyday meals, yet satisfying enough to share.
It’s one of those comforting dishes that’s always a win, especially when paired with traditional Kenyan sides like ugali and Creamy tereré (amaranth greens).
Let’s dive right into the recipe, shall we?
Quick Kenyan Egg Stew | Easy Mayai Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 fork/ whisk
- 1 frying pan (plus lid for covering)
- 1 knife
- 1 wooden spoon/ spatula/ tablespoon
- 1 chopping
- Measuring spoons as needed
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 2 2 medium-sized tomatoes (chopped)
- 3 tbsps. cooking oil
- ½ tsp. salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp. paprika (optional but recommended)
- 5 eggs (Plus a splash of water - optional, for moisture)
Instructions
- Heat the OilStart by adding 3 tablespoons of cooking oil to your pan. Let it heat up over medium heat. You want it hot, but not smoking.
- Sauté the OnionsOnce the oil is hot, add your finely chopped onions. Stir frequently and let them cook until they turn light golden brown. This step adds a wonderful flavor base to your quick Kenyan egg stew.
- Add the TomatoesNext, toss in the chopped tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the onions. Let the mixture simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes. This gives the tomatoes time to break down and soften into a rich, flavorful base.Tip: Covering the pan while the tomatoes cook helps them soften faster and enhances the taste of the stew.
- Prepare the EggsWhile the tomatoes are simmering, beat the eggs in a bowl using a whisk or fork. Set them aside—you’ll need them shortly.
- Mash the Tomatoes & Add SpicesOnce the tomatoes are tender, use a spoon to mash them further into a smooth sauce. Then add the salt and paprika. (optional)Paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the eggs perfectly. It's an optional step, but it really elevates the flavor of your quick Kenyan egg stew.Note: Less is more when it comes to spices in this dish. You want the natural flavor of the eggs to shine through.Stir everything together, cover, and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 1 more minute.
- Add the Eggs to the StewNow pour your beaten eggs into the tomato mixture. Let them sit undisturbed for about 30seconds to 1 minute—this allows the bottom to start setting and form those soft, delicious layers we love in a good quick Kenyan egg stew.Add a bit of water - about ¼ cup, to the bowl where you beat your eggs and swirl it around the bowl then add it in for extra moisture.
- Stir & Cook the EggsStart gently stirring and turning the eggs with a spoon. You want to give it afew breaks in between so that the bottom gets a chance to fry a little before stirring again.The goal is a soft, moist, flavorful scramble—perfect for enjoying with ugali, rice, or spaghetti.Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Stir in intervals, allowing the eggs to firm up gradually. Continue turning until the eggs are fully cooked and nicely combined with the tomato base.
- Final Simmer & Taste TestOnce the eggs are almost done, cover again and let them cook for 1 more minute on low heat. Then switch off the heat, give the stew a final stir, and taste for seasoning.Your quick Kenyan egg stew is now ready to serve!
Video
Notes
Best Ways to Serve Quick Kenyan Egg Stew
This hearty and tasty dish pairs beautifully with:- Ugali – A Kenyan classic, and our favorite pairing.
- Spaghetti – For a fun twist!
- Steamed rice – A light and neutral option.
- Chapati – For a rich, slightly indulgent meal.
Tips for Perfect Quick Kenyan Egg Stew
- Don’t overcook the eggs – Keep them moist and tender.
- Use ripe tomatoes – They break down better for a richer stew.
- Add water if needed – Helps keep the stew juicy, especially for pairing with dry sides like ugali.
- Taste and adjust seasoning – Every batch of tomatoes is different, so always taste before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions – Quick Kenyan Egg Stew
1. Can I make Kenyan egg stew without paprika?
Yes! Paprika is optional and mainly adds color and a subtle smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, your egg stew will still turn out delicious using just onions, tomatoes, and salt.2. What can I serve with Kenyan egg stew?
This easy mayai recipe pairs perfectly with ugali, chapati, rice, or even spaghetti. You can also enjoy it with a side of sautéed greens like sukuma wiki, tereré, or spinach.3. Can I add vegetables to this egg stew?
Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, spinach, or grated carrots to boost the nutrition and flavor. Just add them after the onions and cook until softened before adding the eggs.4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Kenyan egg stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat on low heat before serving. It’s great for quick lunches or dinner meal prep.5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To make it spicy, add chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce or chili oil.6. Can I use fewer eggs in this mayai recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the number of eggs based on your preference or the number of servings. The stew will still be flavorful with as few as 3 eggs, especially if you're pairing it with other sides.7. Is this a traditional Kenyan egg recipe?
Yes, this is a classic Kenyan way of preparing eggs, often called mayai fry or egg stew. It’s quick, affordable, and a staple in many Kenyan homes, especially served with ugali.Free Hospitality Resources
At Recipes and Hospitality with Clara, our goal is to help you serve delicious, simple meals that can easily bless and welcome others into your home.
To help you further, I’ve created two FREE downloadable meal planning templates:
- A blank meal plan template – Customize it with your own favorite recipes.
- A sample Kenyan meal plan – Filled with inspiration from dishes like this quick Kenyan egg stew.
Final Thoughts
When you need a meal that’s easy, affordable, and satisfying, this quick Kenyan egg stew is truly a gift. It’s a simple reminder that with just a few ingredients and a little love, you can serve something absolutely delicious to your family or guests.
So next time you have eggs and a couple of tomatoes, don’t overthink dinner. Whip up this easy mayai fry, and enjoy the blessing of a good meal shared together.
For more simple Kenyan recipes that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and family-approved, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel here and follow along!
Related Recipes You’ll Love:
- Mixed Greens with Cream – Kenyan Tereré Recipe (Video)
- 5 Easy Kenyan Dinner Ideas
- How to Make Ugali – Step-by-Step Guide (Video)
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Until next time, stay blessed—and happy cooking!
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