Ugali Balls by Chef Peter Karanja Mwaura, H&S Chef Of The Month

H&S Chef Of The Month

Chef Peter Karanja Mwaura

Nationality: Kenyan

Interview With H&S Magazine

Who Is Peter Karanja Mwaura?

I am a Kenyan-born chef who is very passionate about food and the impact it has on the society. I pursued a diploma in culinary arts at Cascade Institute Of Hospitality and since then I knew this was for me. I was born in central Kenya, a place called Githumu, & I am a firstborn in a family of two.

 

Type Of Cuisine?

As a chef, you got to equip yourself with as many skills as you can. I have specialized in BBQ and Indian cuisine. I fell in love with Indian cuisine because it’s a whole world of spices and flavours, the techniques in this cuisine are fascinating, and you can always have some fun while working. On the other hand, I am a meat lover and this pulled me to learn and specialize in barbecue.

 

What Inspired You To Become A Chef?

I see cooking as a calling, and I am living my purpose in life as everything I do revolves around food. My inspiration to become a chef has always come from my parents, from whom I learnt the basics of the kitchen at a tender age. My dad, Mathew Mwaura is a butcher by profession, and so I have always worked close to him in the butchery since I was young hence developing my love for meat. My mum, Rasbo Halima loves baking, so I’ve always had the chance to taste the goodies she baked during the weekends, ever since I was a kid. All this influenced my decision to become a professional chef, since my world revolved around food every day.

 

What Is The Biggest Challenge You Have Faced In The Culinary Industry?

There are many challenges in this demanding industry. At one time I did an interview in a hotel establishment and despite the fact that I passed the practical interview, the head chef called me in his office and told me I was very young to get such a high salary the company was offering. At the end I went home devastated and without a job only because of my age at that time.

 

What’s Your Biggest Achievement In The Culinary Industry?

I have had a great career path so far with notable achievements from featuring on various cook shows with different local television stations, to being featured by Meet The Chef magazine in Ghana. I was also the president of the student council during my time in culinary school. I have also had the privilege of being featured on Business Daily Africa newspaper in their segment Pishi Home Chef Of The Week. However, my biggest highlight was winning the Youngest Chef Of The Year East Africa award during the Annual Regional Chefs Conference 2021.

 

When It comes To Cooking, What Is More Important To You, The Technique, The Ingredients Or The Creativity?

Every great chef must be a technician with an artistic mind, you have to think like an artist hence be creative since cooking is an art. Quality ingredients will always give quality dishes, and so the chef must treat ingredients with respect when in the kitchen. When technique, creativity and quality ingredients are put on a dish, then the outcome is pleasing to both, the eye and the palate.

 

Recipe Of The Week: Ugali Balls

Serves 4

For The Ugali Balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups maize flour
• 3 cups boiling water
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 pinches garlic powder

 

Preparation

Cook the ugali to a soft texture. While hot, put on an oiled piece of foil and shape into ball like shapes. In a separate bowl, add eggs, garlic powder and salt to taste. Next, pour bread crumbs into another bowl then take one ugali ball at a time, and dip in egg mixture then bread crumbs to coat. Fry in hot oil until crispy golden brown.

 

Plating

Serve with a warm meaty meal.