Kenyan Omena with Ugali and Mchuzi
A flavorful and traditional Kenyan dish featuring dried fish (omena) stewed in a rich tomato and onion sauce, served alongside ugali (a stiff maize porridge) and a side of greens.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Dried Omena (Sardines)
- 2 cups Maize Flour (for Ugali)
- 4 cups Water (for Ugali)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Cooking Oil
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 bunch Spinach or Sukuma Wiki(chopped)
- 1 cup Water (for stew)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried omena thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes to soften, then drain.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
In a pot, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Add the soaked and drained omena to the tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Pour in about 1 cup of water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 6
While the omena stew simmers, prepare the ugali. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Gradually add maize flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps. Continue stirring and cooking until the ugali thickens to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
In another pot or pan, sauté the chopped spinach or sukuma wiki with a little oil, salt, and pepper until wilted.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Serve the hot omena stew alongside the ugali and the sautéed greens. Ensure the omena are well-coated in the rich sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the omena are thoroughly rinsed to remove any sand or grit.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water for the omena stew to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a chopped chili pepper with the tomatoes.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots in the stew.