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Main course Vegan

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥390kcal
💪15gProtein
🌾45gCarbs
🥑20gFat
🌿10gFibre
⚖️300 gServing

* Per serving · 300 g. May vary.

Zanzibari Coconut Beans

How to order / say it
Say it Maharage ya Nazi — [mah-ha-rah-gay yah nah-zee]
Order I'd like the Zanzibari Coconut Beans, please.
Locally Naomba maharage ya nazi, tafadhali.
Say locally

Beans slow-cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, a staple comfort dish.

Why try it?

This dish exemplifies the use of coconut in Zanzibari cuisine, showcasing how simple ingredients can create a rich, flavorful dish. It reflects the island's agrarian roots and the multicultural influences that shape every meal.

How it tastes

A creamy, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness from coconut milk, combined with the earthiness of beans. The dish has a smooth texture and is often served with rice or pilau, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Origin & History — first documented: 1700

Coconut beans have been a staple since the arrival of coconuts in the region in the early centuries. Over time, spices were introduced, enhancing their taste and turning the dish into a beloved everyday meal in Zanzibari homes.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🫘 400 g kidney beans
  • 🥛 400 ml coconut milk
  • 🧄 1 onion
  • 🧄 2 cloves garlic
  • 🧂 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 🥕 1 large tomato

Method

  1. 1 Fry onions, garlic, and spices until fragrant.
  2. 2 Add tomatoes and simmer until soft.
  3. 3 Stir in beans and coconut milk, then simmer.
  4. 4 Cook until thick and creamy, adjust seasoning.

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All Africa recipes — Tanzania — Zanzibar — Zanzibari Coconut Beans
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