Dengu

Dengu Recipe - A Delicious Kenyan Green Grams Dish

Region / culture: Kenya | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dengu is a popular East African dish made from green grams, also known as mung beans. This nutritious and delicious dish is often served with a variety of starches such as rice, sweet potatoes, plantains, cassava, or ugali.

History

Dengu has been a staple dish in East African cuisine for generations. It is a simple and affordable dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of green grams, onions, curry powder, and milk creates a flavorful and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cupful of green grams
2 cupfuls of milk
2 medium sized onions
2 spoonfuls of ghee or butter or 0.5 cupful of cooking oil
salt and curry powder to taste

How to prepare

1. Clean and wash green grams. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and boil until very tender. If more water is needed, add only boiling water.
2. Remove from heat and beat until smooth, turning it into a paste.
3. Put the green gram paste into a bowl and heat cooking oil in the same pot.
4. Clean and dice onions. Add the onions to the oil and fry until cooked and nicely browned.
5. Return the green gram paste to the pot and mix it with the onions.
6. Add curry powder, salt, and milk. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add butter or ghee and simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and place in a clean dish with a cover.
9. Serve hot with boiled rice, boiled sweet potatoes, steamed plantain, boiled cassava, or ugali made from maize flour.

Variations

Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version of the dish.
Add chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green grams until they are very tender before turning them into a paste.

- Fry the onions until they are nicely browned to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Adding butter or ghee at the end of cooking adds richness and depth to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Dengu is traditionally served with boiled rice, sweet potatoes, plantains, cassava, or ugali. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty stew.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the green grams until tender and turning them into a paste is the key technique in this recipe. Frying the onions until browned and simmering the dish with curry powder and milk adds depth and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cooking oil in place of the specified oil. You can also use any type of milk or milk alternative in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Dengu can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve dengu in a bowl with a side of your choice of starch. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Dengu pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of dengu contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green grams are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of dengu contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The cooking oil and butter or ghee used in this recipe add fats to the dish. One serving of dengu contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Green grams are also a rich source of proteins, essential for muscle growth and repair. One serving of dengu contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Green grams are packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Dengu is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Dengu is a flavorful and nutritious dish made from green grams, onions, curry powder, and milk. This East African staple is easy to make and perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy dengu with your favorite starch for a complete and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day, and I had been visiting a friend in a small village in Kenya. As we sat in her kitchen, sipping on delicious chai tea, she casually mentioned that she was going to make dengu for lunch.

I had never heard of dengu before, but as she began to gather the ingredients and explain the process to me, I knew I had to learn how to make it. The dish consisted of green mung beans cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices, creating a flavorful and hearty stew that could be served with rice or chapati.

As my friend patiently guided me through the steps of making dengu, I marveled at the way she effortlessly combined the ingredients and adjusted the seasonings to taste. Her hands moved with practiced ease, chopping, stirring, and tasting along the way. I could see the years of experience and knowledge that she had accumulated in perfecting this dish.

I watched in awe as the mung beans transformed into a rich and fragrant stew, the aromas filling the kitchen and making my mouth water. When it was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy the dengu together, savoring each spoonful and relishing the flavors that danced on our tongues.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about dengu. I asked my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious. I made dengu for my family back home, and they loved it just as much as I did. From that moment on, dengu became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together and filled our hearts with warmth and contentment.

Over the years, I have made dengu countless times, experimenting with different variations and adding my own personal touch to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition and spreading the love for this humble but flavorful dish.

Each time I make dengu, I am reminded of that hot summer day in Kenya, of the kindness and generosity of my friend, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. The recipe for dengu is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a story of friendship, of discovery, and of the simple pleasures that bring us together.

As I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I carry with me the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, to explore new flavors and techniques, and to share the gift of good food with those around me.

So whenever I make dengu, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of adventure, knowing that each batch I cook is a testament to the love and passion that I bring to my craft. And as I serve this humble dish to my family and friends, I hope that they can taste the care and dedication that goes into every spoonful, and that they feel the warmth and comfort that it brings to their souls.

For me, dengu is more than just a recipe – it is a celebration of life, of friendship, and of the joy that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious to share with the ones we hold dear. And as long as I am able, I will continue to cook and create, to learn and grow, and to pass on the traditions and flavors that have brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years.