Craving a hearty and flavorful Kenyan breakfast? Look no further than this easy Njahi recipe.
Kenyan Njahi Breakfast
Njahi, or black beans, are a staple in Kenyan cuisine offering a rich source of protein and fiber.
This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a quick and nourishing morning meal.
Are Black Beans Only for Lactating moms?
Of course not! Anyone who’d like a healthy breakfast or lunch meal can go for this delightful bean recipe and benefit form the high nutritional value of black beans or njahi.
Njahi or black beans initially got popular as a meal mostly served to lactating mothers.
It was believed that consuming njahi would boost milk production for moms who have newborns.
Relatives and friends visiting such a mom to celebrate the baby would have njahi as part of their gifts.
Over time, as more and more people began appreciating these black beans, they’ve become very common in homes and eateries, offering a healthy alternative breakfast or lunch option to the usual fast foods.
Black beans are fast becoming popular and a satisfying meal for breakfast or lunch. Njahi is now part of our breakfast menu in our home.
I’m creatively making it in different ways, and I hope to share here the various ways I’m making and serving black beans as soon as I have them on the blog.
How to Make Njahi or Black Beans Even Healthier
Make your njahi meal healthier by first soaking the beans in water overnight or for at least 10 hours.
Soaking enhances the availability of nutrients in the black beans, breaking down some of them and thus making it easier for your body to digest and benefit from the njahi.
I soak my njahi overnight, rinse it, and then I boil it until it is soft and ready to use.
Storing Boiled Black Beans
When I soak and boil my black beans or Njahi, I allow the njahi to cool completely. I will then transfer sizeable amounts as needed in ziplock bags or freezer friendly containers. I store in the freezer for future use.
My beans will keep well for even six months though I try to keep them for up to four months.
When I need to cook the beans, I’ll remove the portion I need fom the freezer and let it thaw overnight. I prefer this method. You can however also use the quick defrost setting of a microwave to defrost the frozen beans if you need them really fast.
An Affordable Breakfast Recipe
I find black beans budget-friendly, especially if you buy them from the farmers market or from those who sell grains.
They are cheaper by far than store-bought bread. 1kg of dried black beans will go a long way in serving a breakfast or dinner meal to a family.
Black beans are also satisfying.
Ready to indulge in this delightful bean recipe? Let me show you how to make njahi in a simple way that will turn your black beans into a delicious meal.
Kenyan Easy Njahi (Black Beans) Breakfast Recipe: A Flavorful Start to Your Day
Equipment
- 1 saucepan/ sufuria
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 chopping board
- 1 grater
Ingredients
- 3 cups pre-boiled black beans (I soak them overnight, rinse, then boil them until soft. To boil for fewer minutes, you can pressure cook the beans)
- 1 medium size onion, chopped
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh garlic
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 medium size tomatoes, chopped
- 2 medium size carrots
- 3 tbsps cooking oil
- 1 tsp tomato paste (In the absence of tomato paste, add an extra tomato)
- Spices of choice (I like to use ½ teaspoon each paprika, curry powder, & mchuzi mix)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsps chopped cilantro/ dhania to garnish and enhance the taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium to high heat. Add the onion and fry until softened.
- Add garlic and ginger and fry to a light golden color. Stir continuously with your wooden spoon for even frying.
- Add the tomatoes and carrots. Stir them until even. Cover and lower the heat significantly. Let the mixture cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir the mixture. The tomatoes will break down as you stir. Crush them further with your wooden spoon as you stir.
- Add the salt and spices. Stir them until even. Cover and cook for two minutes on low heat for the spices to cook and combine well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add about ½ cup of water. Stir until even.
- Add the pre-boiled beans/ njahi. Stir, cover, and let the black beans cook until ready, the carrots too.
- Set aside about a teaspoon of the cilantro to garnish. Stir in the rest of the cilantro.
- Garnish with the remaining cilantro by sprinkling it on the surface of the cooked black beans/ Njahi.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as, eggs - a classic breakfast addition, or tea/ beverage of choice as we do in Kenya.Enhance your hospitality for the glory of God.
Video
Notes
Tips and Variations:
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a chopped jalapeño, or red pepper/ pilipili for extra heat. • Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, courgette, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. • Make it Hearty: Add cooked meat such as beef, chicken, or sausage. You can also add arrow roots/ nduma for a more substantial meal.Nutritional Benefits:
Njahi is packed with nutrients including proteins which are essential for building and repairing tissues, fiber for promoting digestive health and keeps you feeling full, iron which is important for red blood cell production, potassium which helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium that helps with bone health and muscle function. This easy Njahi recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. It's also a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. So, why not give it a try and experience the flavors of Kenya at your breakfast table? Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!Recommended:
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