Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Corn (Kenyan Irio)

Kenyan Irio pronounced (eer-e-o) is a yummy side dish. This dish originated from the Kikuya tribe. Maize is a staple ingredient in Kenyan cuisine as is potatoes. Peas are mashed up with the boiled potatoes and corn kernels are added. The corn and peas adds a lovely sweetness to the side dish. This dish is often eaten with the right hand and used to scoop up stews and meat. This would make a wonderful side dish with just about anything. We certainly loved irio with Nyama Choma Kenya’s national dish.

2 cups green peas
1½ lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
water to cover
2 tsp. salt
2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
butter
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add water to cover. Stir in the salt and place over medium flame.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer add in the peas and cook until potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving the liquid.

Simmer the corn with a little salted water in a separate saucepan for a few minutes while the potatoes and peas are cooking.

Mash the potatoes and peas together with a potato masher to form a pale green purée.

Stir in the corn with a little of the reserved liquid and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add a pat of butter to taste.

Serve hot.

Makes 4 servings.