“Food is not just sustenance—it’s a story of culture, effort, and intention.”
Why I Changed My Approach to Food
About eight years ago, I had a moment of reckoning. As an agricultural officer working closely with farmers across the country, I realized I wasn’t honoring the food journey. I was eating simply because food was available—not because it held any value to me.
That realization felt almost sinful.
Here I was, helping farmers produce diverse and nutritious crops, yet eating whatever happened to be cooked. That’s when I made a decision: to become intentional about what I eat. I wanted every bite to mean something—not just for my health, but for the people and processes behind it.
What Does Conscious Eating Look Like?
Since embracing this “food salvation,” my life has changed profoundly. I now choose what to eat based on taste, nutrition, visual appeal, and aroma. This has turned me into a self-declared food adventurer, eager to explore traditional and indigenous delicacies from different cultures and communities.
But it’s not just about eating—it’s about understanding. I’ve come to appreciate every step in the food chain:
- How food is grown or reared
- Methods of harvesting and storage
- Household-level value addition (like fermenting and drying)
This appreciation has deepened my respect for food and the people who produce it.
My Indian Inspiration: Discovering Sprouted Green Grams
One standout moment in my food journey came during a trip to India in 2018 for a short course on ‘Value Chain and Innovations in Agricultural Marketing’. There, I experienced a variety of local dishes, but one in particular stood out: sprouted green gram (mung beans).
It was nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare.
I still prepare it, and each time I do, it reminds me of how diverse and exciting food can be—when you pay attention.
What Are Sprouted Green Grams?
If you’ve ever prepared or tasted busaa, a traditional Kenyan fermented drink, you’ve seen the process of sprouting. In busaa making, maize or millet is soaked, sprouted, fermented, dried, and finally milled.
The process is quite similar with green grams (mung beans), but simpler:
- Soak until they sprout
- Wait for a faint fermentation aroma (much milder due to low starch)
- Cook or eat raw—no boiling needed!
Pro tip: If your green grams are taking too long to soften when boiled, try sprouting them instead. It’s faster, healthier, and tastier.
Recipe: How to Prepare Sprouted Green Grams
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple guide you can follow at home.
✳️ Ingredients
- 1 glass of cleaned green grams (mung beans)
- 2 glasses of clean water
- A bowl
- A moist cloth or loose-fitting lid
🥣 Sprouting Process
- Place the green grams in a bowl.
- Add the water and soak for 10–12 hours. They’ll double in size.
- Drain the water and cover the beans with a moist cloth or loose lid.
- Let them sit for another 24 hours, turning them occasionally.
- You’ll notice small white shoots emerging—this means they’re ready!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Raw Option: Toss them into your salad for a crunchy protein boost.
- Cooked Option:
-Heat some oil in a pan.
-Sauté chopped onions for 2–3 minutes.
-Add the sprouted green grams and stir-fry for no more than 5 minutes.
-Spice it up with turmeric, chilli, or cumin to taste.
Final Thoughts: Food Is More Than Just a Meal
One lesson I’ve learned along the way having come from the Mount Kenya communities is that Food can be delicious without tomatoes or heavy soups. It’s all about fresh ingredients, intentional choices, and respecting the entire food journey.
So next time you prepare a meal, take a moment to consider:
- Where did this food come from?
- Who was involved in growing or producing it?
- How does this meal nourish my body—and my values?
As you reflect on this piece, I hope it inspires you to be more mindful about what’s on your plate—and perhaps even try something new.
Thanks for reading—and more importantly, enjoy your next meal meanwhile as you wait for my next article. Adios!
Have you tried cooking with sprouted green grams before? Share your experience or drop your favorite traditional recipe in the comments on social media links below!