“Viazi” is potatoes in Swahili, so this dish is basically stewed potatoes or potatoes in a thick tomato and onion sauce.

Lemon and tamarind add tanginess to the flavourful red sauce that has garlic, cumin and other spices.

The best accompaniments to this dish are bread to scoop up that sauce, but it goes well with rice too and vegetables on the side.

You will need:-

1. Potatoes, about a kilogram, peeled and chopped into medium pieces.
2. 1 large onion.
3. Ginger garlic paste.
4. 4 tomatoes, peeled and chopped.
5. 1 tbsp tomato paste.
6. Salt and pepper to taste.
7. 1 tsp mustard seeds, whole cumin seeds.
8. 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp curry powder.
9. 1 tbsp ghee.
10. 1 tbsp tamarind paste.
11. Juice of half a lemon.
12. A small pinch of sugar (optional).
13. 1 bunch coriander, stalks and leaves separated.
14. I green pepper, chopped.

Method.

First boil your potatoes with some salt and 1/2 the turmeric as well as half the cumin seeds, until just ready, do not let them overcook. Set aside to cool.

Heat your pan and add the ghee and mustard seeds, once they start sputtering, add the cumin seeds, followed by the onions.

Let onions cook till soft and translucent then add the ginger garlic paste, let it cook till the raw smell stops.

Add the ground spices, lower heat to let them cook a bit before adding the tomato paste, followed by the coriander stalks and green pepper. Then add the tamarind paste and mix well.

Next go in our tomatoes, cover and let cook on low till mushy.

Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the potatoes and about half a cup of water.

Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes till potatoes are fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.

Once ready add the lemon juice and coriander leaves, fold them in carefully to not mash up the potatoes and serve.

Easy, tasty, filling, and colourful.

If you love potatoes, this will end up being one of your favorite potato dishes. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Love,

Wanjoro.