Baking Nutritious Pumpkin Mandazi with Munjeme Primary

Laughter and the warm aroma of frying dough filled the air at Munjeme Primary school kitchen recently, as a group of ten to thirteen-year-olds embarked on a delicious adventure. The mission? To transform a humble pumpkin into something extraordinary: fluffy, golden mandazi.

Initially, some of the children were skeptical. Pumpkins weren’t a favorite, but their hesitation quickly vanished as they took charge of the recipe. They enthusiastically participated in every step, from peeling and boiling the pumpkin to the satisfying mess of kneading it into the wheat flour. The “aha!” moment came when they saw the perfectly soft dough—a testament to how a bit of heat and patience could change an ingredient completely.

Amidst the playful chaos, a serious lesson unfolded. We discussed the nutrients in pumpkins and how these simple ingredients contribute to a healthy body. It was a powerful lesson in food and nutrition security, demonstrating how adding value to readily available produce can create nourishing, tasty meals.

The children were captivated, understanding that food security isn’t just about having enough to eat, but about making smart, healthy choices.

The final verdict was unanimous: the pumpkin mandazi were not only delicious but a huge success. The students proudly shared their creations and promised to take the recipe—and the valuable lesson—home to their families. This wasn’t just a cooking class; it was a hands-on lesson in empowerment, showing these young cooks that a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating.