Dairy-Free Ugali
Discover the heart of East African cuisine with this simple yet satisfying Dairy-Free Ugali recipe, a timeless staple that pairs beautifully with stews, sautéed greens, or beans. Made with just three pantry-friendly ingredients—cornmeal, water, and an optional pinch of salt—this naturally gluten-free dish is ready in just 20 minutes. The process involves gradually combining cornmeal with boiling water, then skillfully stirring and kneading to achieve its signature smooth and firm texture. Perfect as a side dish or a base for soaking up savory sauces, ugali is both delicious and versatile. Whether you opt for white or yellow cornmeal, this dairy-free version ensures everyone at your table can enjoy this comforting classic.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Cornmeal (fine or medium grind, white or yellow)
- 4 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt (optional)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Once the ugali pulls away from the sides of the pot and forms a cohesive mass, it is ready. Remove the pot from heat.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Serve warm alongside your favorite stew, sautéed greens (e.g., collard greens), or beans. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1202.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 888 |
| Total Fat 9.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 1.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1146.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 190.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.4g | |
| Protein 17.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 72.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 340.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories