Irio (Kenyan Mashed Potatoes with Veggies)

Irio is a Kenyan staple food of peas, corn, and potatoes. It’s mostly found among East African nations.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes, quartered
  • Fresh green peas
  • Corn
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
Irio (Kenyan Mashed Potatoes with Veggies)

Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Masher and/or wooden paddle

Procedure

  1. Combine the potatoes, peas, and corn in a pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes but not completely drown them.
  2. Simmer, covered, for about 15–20 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy. The water should be nearly empty by the time the potatoes are fork-tender, but if there is still a significant amount, it is advisable to drain it and leave only a small amount left so that the potatoes will be simple to mash.
  3. Mash everything together, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Serve.