Mutakura

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 🌽 Mutakura


(Mixed boiled grains and legumes – Traditional Harvest Meal)



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🌾 About the Dish


Mutakura is a hearty mixture of boiled maize, groundnuts, and dry beans — sometimes including sorghum or millet — commonly eaten during the harvest season. It’s a high-protein, filling, and affordable dish that symbolizes abundance and community sharing.


Mutakura is often prepared in rural areas and is a favorite snack or light meal for both children and adults. It’s a perfect example of how indigenous ingredients are combined for balanced nutrition.



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🧺 Ingredients


2 cups dried maize kernels (whole)


1 cup dried groundnuts (peanuts), unshelled or shelled


1 cup dry sugar beans (or other local beans like cowpeas)


Optional: ½ cup sorghum or millet


Water for soaking and boiling


Salt to taste




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🍳 Preparation Steps


🔸 Step 1: Soak the Ingredients


Rinse maize, beans, and groundnuts.


Soak maize and beans overnight (8–12 hours) to reduce cooking time.


Groundnuts can be soaked briefly or used raw.



🔸 Step 2: Boil the Ingredients


In a large pot, add soaked maize, beans, and groundnuts.


Cover with plenty of water and boil on medium heat.


Skim off any foam.


Simmer for 2–3 hours or until all ingredients are tender.


Add sorghum/millet after 1 hour if using (they cook faster).



🔸 Step 3: Season


Add salt towards the end of cooking.


Mix gently to combine flavors.



🔸 Step 4: Serve


Serve hot as a snack or light meal.


Can be eaten on its own or with a side of vegetables or sadza.




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🌍 Cultural Insight


Mutakura is often shared during community gatherings and traditional ceremonies like weddings or funerals.


It represents the harvest bounty and is a symbol of unity and cooperation because of its mix of grains and legumes.


Groundnuts provide healthy fats and protein, while maize and beans supply carbs and additional protein — making it a balanced meal.


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