Ugali
Discover the heart of East African cuisine with this simple yet satisfying Ugali recipe. Made with just three ingredients—cornmeal, water, and a touch of salt—this traditional staple is a quick and wholesome side dish that pairs beautifully with stews, sautéed greens, or grilled meats. Ready in just 20 minutes, Ugali transforms humble cornmeal into a smooth, dense, and hearty consistency through a process of careful stirring and simmering. The result? A versatile, comforting dish enjoyed throughout homes and gatherings across Africa. Whether you're revisiting childhood flavors or exploring new cuisines, this gluten-free and budget-friendly recipe is a must-try! Perfect for sharing and shaping into a traditional dome, Ugali is the ultimate accompaniment to soak up every drop of your savory meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat.
Add the salt to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve.
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of water with the cornmeal to create a smooth slurry. This will prevent lumps from forming.
Once the water in the pot is boiling, slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the pot while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon.
Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring the mixture constantly. It will begin to thicken after a few minutes.
As the ugali thickens, lower the heat to low and continue to stir vigorously to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth consistency.
Continue cooking and stirring for about 10 minutes until the ugali becomes very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
Once cooked, cover the pot and let it rest off the heat for about 5 minutes before serving.
To serve, scoop the ugali onto a plate or a board using a wooden spoon. Shape it as desired, traditionally into a dome.
Serve the ugali warm as a side dish with stews, vegetables, or meat dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.0 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1038 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 317.6 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.2 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 28.8 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 568 mg | 12% | |
*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.
