Mbaazi za Nazi (Pigeon Peas in Coconut Milk) Recipe
If you have been looking for Mbaazi za Nazi Recipe, this is the place to be. There’s something truly special about waking up on the Kenyan Coast to the warm, creamy aroma of Mbaazi za Nazi — pigeon peas cooked in rich coconut milk. This traditional Swahili breakfast is a comfort food that connects generations and brings families together around the morning table.
I remember visiting my grandmother in Kilifi during school holidays. Every morning, she’d prepare mbaazi served with freshly baked mahamri and a cup of hot Kenyan Chai. She’d always say, “Asubuhi njema huanza na mbaazi moto” — a good morning begins with warm pigeon peas.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pigeon peas (mbaazi) | 2 cups (boiled or canned) |
| Coconut milk | 2 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cooking oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
- In a sufuria, heat oil and fry onions until they turn golden brown.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in turmeric, then add the boiled pigeon peas and mix well.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors combine beautifully.
- Adjust salt and serve hot with mahamri or soft chapati.
Mbaazi za Nazi are often enjoyed as part of a coastal breakfast spread alongside Kenyan Chai. The combination of creamy coconut milk and the earthy flavor of pigeon peas makes this dish both nutritious and satisfying.
For more about the coastal heritage and variations of this dish, you can visit Mojatu’s Kenyan Food Feature.
Pro Tip
For an extra kick, some Swahili chefs add a dash of cardamom or squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It gives the dish a warm, tropical twist that complements the creamy coconut base.
As the old Swahili saying goes, “Chakula cha asubuhi ni baraka ya siku.” — Breakfast is the blessing of the day. Start your morning right with a warm bowl of Mbaazi za Nazi!
