Kenyan food on a budget: 5 cooking tips
What's the story
Kenyan cuisine is full of flavors and traditions and offers an array of dishes that can be cooked without burning a hole in your pocket. With some smart shopping and creative cooking techniques, you can enjoy authentic Kenyan meals even on a budget. Here are some practical tips and insights to help you cook delicious Kenyan dishes while keeping costs low.
Budget ingredients
Use affordable staples
Kenyan cuisine heavily depends on staple foods such as maize flour, beans, rice, and vegetables. These ingredients are not only inexpensive but also can be used for a variety of recipes. Maize flour is used to prepare ugali, a staple dish that goes with many sides. Beans offer protein at a fraction of the cost of other sources. By relying on these staples, you can prepare hearty meals without spending much.
Cost-effective shopping
Shop at local markets
Local markets give fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. Frequenting these markets enables you to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from farmers or vendors. This not only supports local agriculture, but also ensures you get quality ingredients for less money. Bargaining is the way of these settings, so don't hesitate to negotiate for better deals.
Vegetarian options
Embrace plant-based meals
Plant-based meals are both economical and nutritious. Many traditional Kenyan dishes are vegetarian-friendly, or can be easily adapted by swapping meat with legumes or additional vegetables. Sukuma wiki (collard greens) is one such dish, which is not only cheap but also easy to prepare using simple ingredients like tomatoes and onions.
Economical cooking
Cook in bulk
Cooking in bulk isn't just a time-saver, it also saves money by reducing waste and meal planning throughout the week. Cooking up large quantities of stews or soups means fewer trips to the store, and more efficient use of resources like fuel or electricity for cooking. Leftovers can either be stored for future meals or even shared with your family members.
Flavorful additions
Utilize spices wisely
Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon sticks are essential in Kenyan cuisine. They amplify flavors without much expense. Used aptly in dishes like pilau and stews, these spices make every meal interesting. This way you will have a delightful culinary journey, exploring new flavors and fragrances, all without breaking the bank.