🍽️ FittestMe.aiFoodsNutrients

Ugali Recipe

East African · Main course · 20 min total

Ugali is a staple East African dish made from maize flour and water, cooked to a firm, dough-like consistency. It is typically served as an accompaniment to stews, vegetables, or grilled meat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups maize flour (white or yellow, finely ground)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water and salt (if using) to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the maize flour in a steady stream, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
3. Once all flour is added, stir vigorously until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot, about 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the ugali steam for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to firm up.
5. Remove from heat. Using a wooden spoon, knead the ugali inside the pot by folding and pressing until it forms a smooth, stiff dough.
6. Transfer the ugali to a serving plate. Shape into a round dome or serve in portions. Serve hot.

Tips

• For a softer ugali, use slightly less flour; for firmer, use more.
• Leftover ugali can be sliced and pan-fried for breakfast.
• Traditionally, ugali is eaten with the hands: pinch a small piece, roll into a ball, and dip into stew.

More about Ugali →

AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms