Soup · Dinner · African ·

Creamy Kenyan Githeri Soup with Coconut and Corn

Name: Creamy Kenyan Githeri Soup with Coconut and Corn
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 1 cup dry kidney beans, soaked overnight; 1 cup dry white corn, soaked overnight; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 2 tomatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

This rich and creamy githeri soup combines classic Kenyan flavors with the smoothness of coconut, making it a perfect comfort dish for any meal time.

4.8(408 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 14, 2025

Creamy Kenyan Githeri Soup with Coconut and Corn — Soup served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Soup Base

For the Aromatic Blend

For the Flavor Boost

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 382 kcal
Protein: 11.5 g
Carbs: 52.8 g
Fat: 15.5 g
Fiber: 12.8 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2292 kcal
Protein: 69 g
Carbs: 317 g
Fat: 93 g
Fiber: 77 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup dry kidney beans soaked overnight	670	42	122	1	46
1 cup dry white corn soaked overnight	650	16	142	8	18
4 cups vegetable broth	40	2	8	0	0
1 cup coconut milk	552	5	14	57	5
2 tablespoons olive oil	238	0	0	27	0
1 large onion finely chopped	60	2	14	0	3
3 cloves garlic minced	13	0	3	0	0
1 teaspoon ginger grated	6	0	1	0	0
1 teaspoon ground coriander	7	0	1	0	1
2 tomatoes diced	44	2	10	0	3
1 teaspoon turmeric powder	8	0	1	0	1
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice	4	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Base Ingredients

1
Drain and rinse soaked beans and corn
Drain and rinse the soaked kidney beans and corn.
2
Combine with broth
In a large pot, combine the beans, corn, and vegetable broth.
3
Simmer until tender
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes, or until tender.

Sautéing the Aromatics

1
Heat oil
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté onions
Add onions, sautéing until translucent.
3
Add aromatics
Stir in garlic, ginger, and ground coriander, cooking until fragrant.
Tip: ⚠ Important: Avoid browning the garlic as it can turn bitter. 💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of water if the aromatics begin to stick to the pan.

How to Make Creamy Kenyan Githeri Soup with Coconut and Corn

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Simmer the Soup
Once the beans and corn are tender, add the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
2
Incorporate the Flavors
Stir in the sautéed aromatics, tomatoes, turmeric, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3
Finish the Soup
Allow the soup to simmer for another 20 minutes to fully infuse the flavors.