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Viazi vya Nazi, which translates to potatoes with coconut, is a popular Swahili dish. It is a comforting and flavorful Swahili dish which is a popular meal is a staple in many East African homes, celebrated for its rich, creamy sauce and tender potatoes.

The combination of coconut milk, fragrant spices, and a protein like meat creates a hearty and satisfying one-pot wonder. It’s often served with chapati or mahamri, making it a truly authentic and delicious experience.

Viazi vya nazi recipe

 

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 7 large potatoes
  • About 3 cups of coconut milk
  • 1 cup of coconut cream
  • Pre-boiled meat 
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions

  1. Line your pot with thick slices of potato.
  2. Add your pre-boiled meat on top of the potatoes.
  3. Add in half of the sliced onions and tomatoes.
  4. Add the crushed garlic.
  5. Create another layer with the remaining potatoes and the rest of the onions and tomatoes.
  6. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of turmeric.
  7. Pour in enough coconut milk to cover the top layer of potatoes.
  8. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.
  9. Stir in 1 cup of coconut cream.
  10. Let it simmer for about 10 more minutes on low heat.

Serve with either chapati or mahamri and pili-pili ya kukaanga (fried chili).

Tips

  • Do not stir the dish to keep the potatoes intact. Instead, gently swirl the pot to mix the ingredients.
  • The sauce will thicken as it cools.