Dairy-Free Ugali
Discover the simple delight of Dairy-Free Ugali, a classic East African dish that's naturally free from dairy and made with just three ingredients: cornmeal, water, and a pinch of optional salt. This staple is prepared by gradually cooking finely ground cornmeal in boiling water, transforming it into a smooth and satisfyingly dense dough with minimal effort. Ready in just 20 minutes, Ugali is a wholesome, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly side dish that pairs beautifully with hearty stews, sautéed greens, or protein-rich beans. Perfect for family meals or weeknight dinners, this versatile recipe is a must-try introduction to the vibrant flavors of African cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cornmeal (fine or medium grind, white or yellow)
- 4 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt (optional)
Instructions
In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. If using, stir in the salt to season the water.
Once the water is boiling, gradually add 1 cup of the cornmeal while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue adding the remaining 1 cup of cornmeal in small increments, stirring constantly. The mixture should begin to thicken and come together into a smooth, dense dough-like consistency.
As the mixture thickens, use the wooden spoon to knead and press the ugali within the pot for about 8-10 minutes. This helps achieve its characteristic firmness and smooth texture. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of hot water and mix thoroughly.
Once the ugali pulls away from the sides of the pot and forms a cohesive mass, it is ready. Remove the pot from heat.
Shape the ugali into a mound or ball using a damp wooden spoon or your hands (be careful as it will be hot). Transfer to a serving plate or bowl.
Serve warm alongside your favorite stew, sautéed greens (e.g., collard greens), or beans. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
888 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.4 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1147 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.6 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 17.3 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 72 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 341 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
