Recipe: Irio

Originally a dish of the Kikuyu people, irio is a hearty and nutritious accompaniment to meals that has become popular throughout Kenya. It has many variations, but potatoes and peas are the staple ingredients with corn the most common addition. Irio is famously paired with grilled steak in the combination known as nyama na irio. Make irio for yourself with this recipe:

• Green peas -- 2 cups
• Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks -- 1 1/2 pounds
• Water -- to cover
• Salt -- 2 teaspoons
• Corn, fresh or frozen -- 2 cups

Place the peas and potatoes in a large saucepan and add water to cover. Stir in the salt and place over medium flame. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are cooked through. Drain, reserving the liquid. Simmer the corn with a little salted water in a separate saucepan for a few minutes while the potatoes and peas are cooking. Mash the potatoes and peas together with a potato masher to form a pale green puree. Stir in the corn with a little of the reserved liquid and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.