Ugali

Experience the heart of East African cuisine with this simple yet satisfying Ugali recipe. Made with just cornmeal, water, and a touch of salt, Ugali is a traditional staple that pairs perfectly with your favorite stews, vegetables, or grilled meats. This hearty dish is quick to prepare, with a total cook time of just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in creating a smooth cornmeal slurry before cooking and utilizing a steady stirring technique to ensure a lump-free, velvety consistency. Traditionally shaped into a dome and served warm, Ugali is more than a side dish—it's a comforting, versatile canvas for bold and flavorful accompaniments. Whether you're exploring global flavors or recreating a cherished favorite, this Ugali recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 4 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt

Directions

Step 1

Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the salt to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of water with the cornmeal to create a smooth slurry. This will prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4

Once the water in the pot is boiling, slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the pot while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring the mixture constantly. It will begin to thicken after a few minutes.

Step 6

As the ugali thickens, lower the heat to low and continue to stir vigorously to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 7

Continue cooking and stirring for about 10 minutes until the ugali becomes very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

Step 8

Once cooked, cover the pot and let it rest off the heat for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

To serve, scoop the ugali onto a plate or a board using a wooden spoon. Shape it as desired, traditionally into a dome.

Step 10

Serve the ugali warm as a side dish with stews, vegetables, or meat dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1363g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1480

Total Fat 15.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1236.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 317.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.2g	0%
Total Sugars 2.4g
Protein 28.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 65.6mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 568mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 9.2%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 83.3%